The National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner, Gary Bettman, has made the decision to uphold the suspension of Detroit Red Wings forward, David Perron. This six-game suspension was initially imposed on Perron after he cross-checked Ottawa Senators defenseman, Artem Zub, in the head during a game. However, the decision to uphold the suspension has sparked controversy and divided opinions within the hockey community.
The incident in question occurred on December 11, when Perron delivered a cross-check to Zub’s head during the first period of the game between the Red Wings and the Senators. The league deemed this hit as an intentional strike intended to seek retribution on an opponent, rather than a legitimate hockey play. Perron was subsequently given a match penalty for his actions.
David Perron’s six-game suspension has already been served in its entirety. However, his agent, Allan Walsh, called the suspension a “farce” and attempted to draw attention to Perron’s clean track record throughout his career. Perron, who has participated in 1,081 career games, had never faced suspension prior to this incident. Nevertheless, Commissioner Bettman upheld the suspension, suggesting that the Department of Player Safety considered factors beyond Perron’s previous disciplinary history.
The league’s decision to view Perron’s cross-check as retaliatory stems from an earlier incident in the same game. Prior to Perron’s action, the Senators’ Mathieu Joseph and Parker Kelly had hit the Red Wings’ captain, Dylan Larkin, leaving him unconscious on the ice. The league believed Perron’s cross-check was a direct response to this incident, further justifying their decision to categorize it as an intentional and retaliatory strike.
Perron still has the option to appeal to a neutral arbitrator in an attempt to challenge the upheld suspension. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation and prolongs the resolution. The involvement of an impartial arbitrator could provide an opportunity for a fresh perspective and potentially lead to a different outcome.
As Perron’s suspension has already been served, he is now eligible to return to the ice in the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Flyers. However, this entire incident has cast a shadow over his 17th season in the NHL. With 13 points in 26 games this season, Perron’s on-ice performance remains solid, but the controversy surrounding his suspension may have lasting consequences for his reputation.
The decision to uphold David Perron’s six-game suspension has generated significant controversy within the hockey community. While the league views his cross-check as an intentional act of retribution, others argue for a more lenient approach due to Perron’s clean track record. As the situation unfolds, the potential involvement of a neutral arbitrator brings a glimmer of hope for Perron and the Red Wings. However, the incident has undoubtedly affected Perron’s season and reputation, leaving a cloud of uncertainty hanging over his future in the NHL.
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