[News] Bettman upholds 20 game Wideman suspension. NHLPA files appeal to neutral arbitrator

[FlamesAddiction]

Maybe not a "rubber stamp", but I doubt Bettman ever considered changing the end result. They took their time to craft their justification, but it still started with the conclusion already set by his staff and then they reverse engineered their justification based on that conclusion. I mean, Bettman obviously didn't "think about it" for a week and then write that defense in a day.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

We all knew Bettman would uphold the suspension, and yup, independence matters. That's why we have the independent arbitrator now But Bettman did not 'rubber stamp' the decision, as others claimed. He and the NHL's lawyers very carefully crafted a ruling designed to withstand not only the arbitrator, but also shields the league as best it can in the concussion lawsuits. That was a time intensive process. Likewise, the briefs from both sides leading into Bettman's hearing, and even more so leading into this hearing on both sides. Both the NHL and NHLPA are basically looking to create legal precedents.

That's really just a fancier rubber stamp, with an after-the-fact justification. Though, as I said above, judges craft their decisions with possible appeals in mind, to try to make them as appeal-proof as possible, that's really not supposed to be the way it's done.

As for the playing through an appeal, I agree the rule shouldn't be set by the extreme examples. Perhaps there should be a process by which a player can apply for a stay of the suspension pending the appeal, and if it's going to be more than a week or so (or some significant percentage of the suspension), the suspension should be stayed absent special circumstances.

[MarkGio]

Aren't we supposed to hear something today from the arbitrator?

[sureLoss]

Dreger said it could come out today, but it might come out sometime this week.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by MarkGio

Aren't we supposed to hear something today from the arbitrator?

I wouldnt hold your breath.

[sureLoss]

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
Wideman says he hasn't heard anything yet about his appeal. Doesn't know when he'll find out about a ruling either. #Flames

[Roof-Daddy]

This whole process has been ridiculously drawn out, and IMO pretty unfair to Wideman.

Having said that, I wish there was a way to drag it out for the rest of the season. I've been enjoying Nakladal and Wotherspoon getting some ice.

[JohnnyT]

Relevant tweets:

Darren Dreger ‏@DarrenDreger 30m30 minutes ago Although no one seems certain, a decision is expected this week, perhaps today, regarding Dennis Wideman's 3rd party appeal.

gary lawless Verified account ‏@garylawless When is an appeal not an appeal? it'll be 19 games missed for Wideman tonight. Appeal process flawed. From earlier: http://fw.to/Wl1Ab2i

‏@DarrenDreger 5m5 minutes ago Darren Dreger Retweeted gary lawless
Only upside for Wideman now is hope the ruling reduces number of games and he gets retro pay.

[codynw]

This whole process is very efficient and the league should be proud.

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by codynw

This whole process is very efficient and the league should be proud.

Move over, Ken King - Gary Bettman is now our most high-profile member!

[saillias]

I hope the arbitrator is a total quack and in a moment of power-tripping insanity decides "20, why not 40!" that way we can continue to play Wotherspoon and Nakladal rather than watch the same old vets play out the stretch.

[Inglewood Jack]

Originally Posted by codynw

This whole process is very efficient and the league should be proud.

didn't the PA insist on having this arbitration process? the league granted their wish with one of those cursed monkey hands.

the turkey's a little dry...(gasp) THE TURKEY'S A LITTLE DRY

[Locke]

Originally Posted by saillias

I hope the arbitrator is a total quack and in a moment of power-tripping insanity decides "20, why not 40!" that way we can continue to play Wotherspoon and Nakladal rather than watch the same old vets play out the stretch.

I agree, I want the guy to be a total lunatic but go the other way just because of how this whole process has gone I really want everyone's faces rubbed in it.

"No games! And you're entitled to half of Gary Bettman's favourite bicycle!"

Also these pretzels are making me thirsty.

[slybomb]

Quote:
‏@DarrenDreger 5m5 minutes ago Darren Dreger Retweeted gary lawless
Only upside for Wideman now is hope the ruling reduces number of games and he gets retro pay.

And what do the Flames get?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by slybomb

Quote:
‏@DarrenDreger 5m5 minutes ago Darren Dreger Retweeted gary lawless
Only upside for Wideman now is hope the ruling reduces number of games and he gets retro pay.

And what do the Flames get?

The other half of Gary Bettman's favourite bicycle?

[northcrunk]

Does Burke get to sock Bettman in the face? Or Tre?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

Does Burke get to sock Bettman in the face? Or Tre?

Treliving, Burke and Hartley get to beat him with socks filled with soap for 20 games?

[dissentowner]

Dennis Wideman should just be damn grateful he plays for an organization that puts respect and class first and is always there for its players. This was a perfect opportunity for the Flames to pull an LA Kings move and terminate his contract.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Dennis Wideman should just be damn grateful he plays for an organization that puts respect and class first and is always there for its players. This was a perfect opportunity for the Flames to pull an LA Kings move and terminate his contract.

I am not sure what kind of loophole they would use - doubtful it would happen IF they even wanted that to happen.

On a side-note, the Flames have a good chance of having Wideman rebound a bit next season, and be able to trade him at the deadline.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

This was a perfect opportunity for the Flames to pull an LA Kings move and terminate his contract.

No it wasn't.