Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
Oh, sure there are examples of people doing senseless things. I'm not eliminating the possibility.
|
You sure could have fooled me, with all your incredulity and ire directed to those who have been open to the idea that Wideman is acting with intent here.
Quote:
|
However, Wideman is a veteran, never has had anger issues, has been hit plenty and not reacted, is one of the guys the Flames pick to speak with officials, had no indication of anger after being hit (before or after he ran into Henderson). As suspensions are based on a balance of probabilities, not maybes, and the onus of proof would be on the league to establish intent, I don't think the case is made out.
|
I am much more confident in what I can see than in what I imagine to be occurring in the minds of others. To that end, I think that any argument that this is nothing more than a simple collision between a player and an official is not borne out by the video. Moreover, I'm not entirely convinced that "intent" is the only measure by which this case will be decided. Culpability is often extended beyond one's motivations. In their efforts to protect officials, I would have to think that Wideman's responsibility for his own actions—or reactions—would weigh heavily in any decision made about how long to suspend Wideman. As they should.