Quote:
Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger
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.
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I think you've got in completely backwards.
The raw video shows that Wideman skated 80 feet towards the linesman with an unobstructed view, made barely any effort to avoid him prior to contact, and showed no apologetic reaction immediately after contact.
Many people in this thread have given their version of factors that could have caused him to do those things innocently, and I don't necessarily disagree with them, but it doesn't change the fact that it's up to Wideman to convince the league and officials rep that those factors were in fact present.