Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Rightly or wrongly, I don't believe we can depend on the NHL's own definition of accidental contact among players for some sort of precedence for how they should handle Wideman's case, precisely because he did not hit a player. League officials are basically untouchable, and where there is room for some debate about the intent of Wideman's actions, there is sure to be plenty of doubt that this was entirely accidental.
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Multiple videos showing player/official collisions have proven that they aren't untouchable when it is an accident.
If they can't prove he did it on purpose, which rule 40.whatever requires, then I don't see how they have anything to suspend him. I can't find any superseding clause stating all players must refrain from stupidly running into people.
If the NHL can't show he was acting with intent, then the next best thing I see them trying to prove is that he acted with disregard for his surroundings and the safety of others on the ice surface. But I have no idea if there is any rule or clause covering such actions.