| | Text of the NHL announcement on the Marty McSorley suspension Wednesday:
NHL executive vice president and director of hockey operations
Colin Campbell today announced that Marty McSorley of the Boston Bruins has been suspended for at least the balance of the 1999-2000 season, including playoffs. McSorley, who is in the last year of his current contract, will be required to meet with commissioner Gary Bettman prior to the commencement of next season.
The suspension is the longest in league history for an on-ice
incident. McSorley was assessed a match penalty under Rule 52
(Deliberate Injury of Opponent) for striking Vancouver Canucks
forward Donald Brashear on the head with his stick at 19:57 of the
third period of NHL Game 835, Feb. 21, at Vancouver.
A hearing pursuant to Rule 33A (Supplementary Discipline) was
scheduled for 10 a.m. today. A representative of the Boston Bruins
was present. McSorley elected not to appear at or participate in
the hearing. Campbell, after considering the available evidence,
made the above-referenced ruling. Said Campbell, "We have
determined that, since the underlying facts of the incident as
depicted on videotape are clear, we are comfortable that the
penalty that has been imposed, at minimum, is appropriate to
address Mr. McSorley's conduct."
Should McSorley desire a review by the commissioner of this
determination, one would be scheduled.
Said Campbell, "Mr. McSorley's act is entirely unacceptable. It
would be grossly unfair to suggest that his conduct is at all
representative of the game, of the other 700 players who play in
the NHL or of the countless others who play hockey at all levels.
We regret that this act occurred and that it has brought this kind
of attention to our game."
McSorley will miss the Bruins' remaining 23 regular-season games
and all playoff games. Based on the value of his contract and under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, McSorley will forfeit $72,000. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. | |
ALSO SEE
Bruins' McSorley suspended rest of season
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