[News] Arbitrator reduces Wideman suspension to 10 games from 20

[mrkajz44]

The term "intent to injure" is clearly defined in rule 40:

"For the purpose of the rule, “intent to injure” shall mean any physical force which a player knew or should have known could reasonably be expected to cause injury."

So when you are applying the rules in this case, it doesn't really matter what your personal definition of "intent to injure" means, or even a common understanding of how that phrase could be interpreted. I think that is the main issue with the complaints from other official associations. They don't understand that "intent to injure" is very clearly defined in the NHL rules, and the arbitrator did not think Wideman's actions fell into that definition.

EDIT:And wow, that Bettman clip. Basically said "well, he sat out 19 games anyway, so we won - haha"

[Benched]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

I feel that was telling as to the NHLs involvement in delaying the decision so Wideman would have to sit 20 regardless of the suspension being lifted or reduced. The NHL is run like a tee-ball team.

ding ding! this!

We all suspected. The Flames suspected. Bettman basically bragging about it...confirmed.

[Frank MetaMusil]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

If the Flames didn't have a bone to pick with the league with how the whole situation was handled before, now they have proof.

The commissioner of a league like the NHL should be acting like that. Bush league stuff.

Unbelievable ego. Eff him. I'm glad they chopped his decision in half, he obviously can't stand it.

[Ashasx]

Bettman is acting like a child when things don't go his way.

[Street Pharmacist]

What an asshat

[psyang]

I haven't heard that tone of voice since I was in elementary school. Unbelievable.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

So happy he was given a 7 year extension...

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

So happy he was given a 7 year extension...

Childish comment or not, don't kid yourself that the Flames owners are very happy he got an extension. The value of their brand, and the NHL as a whole, has risen dramatically under him.

But yeah, a little more tact is good, Gary.

[FlamesAddiction]

Bulletin board material for the players during the next lockout.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Childish comment or not, don't kid yourself that the Flames owners are very happy he got an extension. The value of their brand, and the NHL as a whole, has risen dramatically under him.

But yeah, a little more tact is good, Gary.

And for a time Hitler made Germany the greatest super power in the World.

Doesn't mean I need to respect the guy or commend the actions that led him to success.

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

And for a time Hitler made Germany the greatest super power in the World.

Doesn't mean I need to respect the guy or commend the actions that led him to success.

I hate Bettman as much as the next guy but yeesh...

[btimbit]

What a dink, that last comment pretty much says he dragged his part of it out on purpose. Or at the least, he was happy that it got dragged out

[Madrox]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

And for a time Hitler made Germany the greatest super power in the World.

Doesn't mean I need to respect the guy or commend the actions that led him to success.

Man, Godwin's always holds true, doesn't it?

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

I hate Bettman as much as the next guy but yeesh...

Godwin's Law is the law!

[sun]

Pretty brutal comment by Bettman in that video. Someone else mentioned the arbitrator had a couple cases on his plate, so they knew his decision would take a while. Not unreasonable to assume Bettman dragged things out on his end to the point where he calculated Wideman would sit for 20 games regardless.

[Locke]

You know, I thought Burke and the Flames were pretty generous not to go after the league for compensation, it took a lot of heat off of Bettman.

Now I wonder why?

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by Locke

You know, I thought Burke and the Flames were pretty generous not to go after the league for compensation, it took a lot of heat off of Bettman.

Now I wonder why?

I thought the CBA didn't allow for that. Only compensation is the player gets his money back.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Weitz

I thought the CBA didn't allow for that. Only compensation is the player gets his money back.

What would the CBA have to do with it? Thats between the players and the league. This is between a club and the league.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Weitz

I thought the CBA didn't allow for that. Only compensation is the player gets his money back.

I was also going to say that I didn't think this was a CBA issue. As far as I know, this situation is unprecedented in the NHL, so it would be odd to even include something this specific in the CBA.

It's smart for the Flames not to press the issue though because the last thing we need is the officials union with a chip on their shoulder against the Flames.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Godwin's Law is the law!

Was only a matter of time in a controversial 22 page thread. I'm happy enough proving this law true even if it was obviously a tongue in cheek comment.

Though Bettman is Jewish which makes things a bit convoluted.