Bertuzzi's Back
Stardate 4373.0
CTV - NHL reinstates Bertuzzi after long suspension
The National Hockey League has reinstated Todd Bertuzzi, 17 months after he brutally attacked Steve Moore saying the Vancouver Canuck forward has suffered enough.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Bertuzzi is "immediately eligible" to play hockey.
Back in march of 2004, with Colorado ahead of Vancouver 8-2 in a one-sided game, Bertuzzi went after Steve Moore in retaliation for a hit on Markus Naslund. He punched Moore in the head from behind, then tackled him, smashing his head into the ice from on top. Steve Moore suffered a broken neck and may never play again. Bertuzzi was suspended and has lost over $500,000 in wages (he will make $5.2 million this year). In a tear filled press conference, Todd had apologized to Steve Moore, the league and most importantly, the fans. This was similar to an older case where Marty McSorley had smacked Donald Brashear in the temple with his stick for refusing to fight him. The difficulty with this case was that apart from the desire to fight Moore, I still don't think Bertuzzi meant to hurt him the way he did. Of course, it is still inexcuseable and had to be punished accordingly. Violence of this nature has no place whatsoever in this game.
I couldn't imagine being either player in this situation, but now, Steve Moore's lawyer is saying that both he, and his client are very dissapointed in the decision to allow Bertuzzi to play this year. They feel the punishment was far too lax, considering Moore most likely will not play again. Personally? I think he shoul dnot play until Moore plays or is deemed fit to play by a neutral third party doctor.
It's a shame. I like Todd's style, aggressiveness and skill. Violent attacks withstanding, I wish more NHL players showed his heart, grit and desire to play and win. Hopefully, he can turn this all around and put it behind him. Best wishes to Steve Moore as well of course.
CTV - NHL reinstates Bertuzzi after long suspensionThe National Hockey League has reinstated Todd Bertuzzi, 17 months after he brutally attacked Steve Moore saying the Vancouver Canuck forward has suffered enough.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Bertuzzi is "immediately eligible" to play hockey.
Back in march of 2004, with Colorado ahead of Vancouver 8-2 in a one-sided game, Bertuzzi went after Steve Moore in retaliation for a hit on Markus Naslund. He punched Moore in the head from behind, then tackled him, smashing his head into the ice from on top. Steve Moore suffered a broken neck and may never play again. Bertuzzi was suspended and has lost over $500,000 in wages (he will make $5.2 million this year). In a tear filled press conference, Todd had apologized to Steve Moore, the league and most importantly, the fans. This was similar to an older case where Marty McSorley had smacked Donald Brashear in the temple with his stick for refusing to fight him. The difficulty with this case was that apart from the desire to fight Moore, I still don't think Bertuzzi meant to hurt him the way he did. Of course, it is still inexcuseable and had to be punished accordingly. Violence of this nature has no place whatsoever in this game.
I couldn't imagine being either player in this situation, but now, Steve Moore's lawyer is saying that both he, and his client are very dissapointed in the decision to allow Bertuzzi to play this year. They feel the punishment was far too lax, considering Moore most likely will not play again. Personally? I think he shoul dnot play until Moore plays or is deemed fit to play by a neutral third party doctor.
It's a shame. I like Todd's style, aggressiveness and skill. Violent attacks withstanding, I wish more NHL players showed his heart, grit and desire to play and win. Hopefully, he can turn this all around and put it behind him. Best wishes to Steve Moore as well of course.
posted by Zaphod at 7:54 AM
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