Paul Sullivan: Rocky Wirtz’s hostility — and refusal to answer questions about 2010 scandal — shows Blackhawks owner is a chip off the old block

CHICAGO — When former Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Verdi tagged Chicago Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz with the nickname “Dollar Bill,” a legend was born.

All the philanthropic endeavors in the world couldn’t help Wirtz escape his reputation as a cheapskate owner of a beloved team. When Verdi suggested in 2007 that the Hawks stage an outdoor game, he sarcastically noted: “If it’s really freezing, think of all the booze Dollar Bill will sell. Then, he could spring an outdoor surprise on his fans. Pay toilets!!”

Hawks fans never warmed up to the old man, who refused to televise home games and even neglected to televise those games in high-definition early on, preferring the standard view even after the Cubs, White Sox and Bulls had switched to high-def.