Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - [News] Bettman upholds 20 game Wideman suspension. NHLPA files appeal to neutral arbitrator

FlamesAddiction · 02-25-2016, 02:42 PM

Maybe a stupid question, but from a legal perspective, how is the neutrality of an arbitrator established? Everyone has personal biases. Even a non-hockey fan is going to have a bias (and likely not in favour of Wideman since most non-hockey fans wouldn't understand the physics of the game and one of the biggest complaints from non-hockey fans is that the game is too violent).

Is it just a matter of taking an oath?

Also, are precedents for punishment important here? I think the NHL can easily argue that they want to set a new precedent, therefore old ones don't apply.

02-25-2016, 02:42 PM	#456
FlamesAddiction Franchise Player Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Vancouver Exp:	Maybe a stupid question, but from a legal perspective, how is the neutrality of an arbitrator established? Everyone has personal biases. Even a non-hockey fan is going to have a bias (and likely not in favour of Wideman since most non-hockey fans wouldn't understand the physics of the game and one of the biggest complaints from non-hockey fans is that the game is too violent). Is it just a matter of taking an oath? Also, are precedents for punishment important here? I think the NHL can easily argue that they want to set a new precedent, therefore old ones don't apply. __________________ "A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can." Last edited by FlamesAddiction; 02-25-2016 at 03:37 PM.