On the Forecheck
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Where are the NHL’s priorities?
by Forechecker on 12/02/08 at 08:40 PM ET
Comments (6)
Earlier this month, the NY Islanders’Thomas Pock got a five game suspension for elbowing Ottawa’s Ryan Shannon. Then the Devils’ Mike Mottau received a two-game suspension for elbowing Frans Nielsen of the Islanders. Last week, L.A. Kings forward John Zeiler received a 3-game sentence for boarding Colorado’s Adam Foote from behind.
Today, just hours after dropping a verbal bomb that (presumably) referred to his ex-girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert as “sloppy seconds”, Dallas’ Sean Avery has been suspended “indefinitely, pending a hearing with commissioner Gary Bettman,” per TSN.
I’m guessing that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman’s not a big believer in the old saw, ”sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
If Avery gets more than a single game suspension out of this, the NHLPA should call the league out on the carpet for prioritizing PR above player safety.
Filed in: NHL Commentary | On the Forecheck | Permalink
Tags: Sean+Avery,
Comments
From the NHL:
NEW YORK (December 2, 2008)—Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery has
been suspended indefinitely, pending a hearing with NHL Commissioner Gary
Bettman, in accordance with the provisions of NHL By-Law 17 and Article 6
of the NHL Constitution for conduct “detrimental to the League or game of
hockey,” the National Hockey League announced today. The suspension was
imposed following inappropriate public comments, not pertaining to the
game, made by Avery earlier today.
The date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled.
From Stars’ owner Tom Hicks:
“Had the league not have suspended him, the Dallas Stars would have,” Hicks stated. “This organization will not tolerate such behaviour, especially from a member of our hockey team. We hold our team to a higher standard and will continue to do so.”
Sean Avery, whatever has skills as a hockey player, is a disgusting individual. He has no place in the NHL.
Posted by davetherave from Ottawa, Canada on 12/02/08 at 10:16 PM ET
It’s amazing isn’t it? if it wasn’t Avery, well… this wouldn’t even be a story, now would it?
Keep on elbowing, Rutuu, you’re safe, as long as you don’t diss your ex.
Posted by Howyagonnatellme on 12/02/08 at 10:34 PM ET
Not to mention Mike Grier only being fined $1,000 for a hit from behind on the Blackhawks Aaron Johnson.
Meanwhile Johnson will be out at least a month with a separated shoulder after going shoulder first into the boards.
Posted by Patrick on 12/02/08 at 11:07 PM ET
I don’t disagree with the indefinite suspension for Avery. I think it has more to do with him repeatedly embarrassing the league and his team than anything.
But yes, dangerous head-hits certainly should be punished more severely on a consistent basis.
Posted by Nathan on 12/03/08 at 10:00 AM ET
Welcome to the Hypocritical States of America, which seems to include Canada, because it seems that they can’t seem to enforce simple rules (no hitting on the numbers, no elbows to the head, no slew knees, etc), and yet when someone says something somewhat shocking (whoop-dee-doo, NFL and NBA players say far far worse on a regular basis), he gets an “indefinite” suspension.
What’s wrong with this picture??
Posted by Tex from DFW on 12/03/08 at 03:12 PM ET
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About On the Forecheck
Dirk Hoag is the Forechecker, churner of NHL stats and analysis. Having started over 10 years ago writing for websites like In the Crease and e-Sports, Dirk launched On The Forecheck in 2005 to cover the Nashville Predators as well as apply statistical analysis to NHL hockey.
http://twominutesforblogging.blogspot.com/2008/12/apparently-sloppy-seconds-gets-you.html
I hate to say it, but I COMPLETELY agree with you!!! Kelly can’t sit idly and watch the NHL make stuff up as they go. They’re doing it with these hits. And now pre-game comments about sloppy seconds?
Posted by Sig from DC on 12/02/08 at 09:57 PM ET