Sounds like the PA maybe doesn't get a very good deal in this process. Not only does the league seem to have the power to drag things out for an inordinate amount of time, but when it finally does go to neutral arbitration it's still based around the league decision. Seems like judging based on what Bettman's ruling was somewhat lowers the burden of proof for the league. What does defensible mean? I'm on the side that the suspension was way too heavy handed and even I think Bettman's argument could be considered defensible.
I have a strong suspicion that this is going to be substantially changed in the next CBA.
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