Friday, March 14, 2008

A Question for Gary Bettman



Here is a question I sent for Gary Bettman for their online NHL radio show yesterday. I actually didn't hear the broadcast when it aired so I don't know if he answered it, but the new "clearer" video evidence (in this technological age, how was it NOT available for review yesterday?) clearly demonstrates Pronger's total disregard for the rulebook after Colin Campbell did not impose any suspension or fine. I bet even with the "fuzzy" video, someone like Chris Simon likely would have been banned for life. In case you didn't hear about it, Ryan Kesler, a player for the Vancouver Canucks, had his calf stomped upon by Chris Pronger a few nights ago during a game:

Why is the league so scared of disciplining star players like Chris Pronger? The impression I'm getting as a fan is that the NHL has two sets of rules when imposing fines or suspensions: one for the elite players, the other for the 3rd and 4th liners. Pronger, in my opinion, got merely a slap on the wrist for his two one-game suspensions in last year's playoffs, and now stomping on Ryan Kesler deserved a harsh penalty, especially when we saw the dangers of a sharp skate blade when we saw Richard Zednik's throat get cut by a skate a few weeks ago. He gets no discipline and in turn, no reason for him to stop his dangerous style of play. Why is the NHL condoning this?

Comments:
Just read that Pronger got an 8 game suspension and a $600,000+ fine since he's a repeat offender (this is his 8th suspension).
 
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