The McSorley Incident After initially suspending defenseman Marty McSorely indefinitely for slashing Donald Brashear across the head on Feb. 21, 2000, Bettman set the suspension at one year -- the longest for an on-ice incident in NHL history. McSorley was convicted in a Canadian court of assault with a weapon on Oct. 6, but received a suspended sentence and does not have a criminal record. Bettman's decision, made on Nov. 9, allowed McSorley to negotiate and sign with any team, and begin practicing on Jan. 1. McSorley signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the International Hockey League, but after 14 games, he didn't find any takers and decided to retire.

Marty McSorley was convicted in a Canadian court of assault with a weapon.