Ready To Rumble?

by PPP on Sep 12, 2007 9:55 PM EDT in News Comment 2 comments

Well, it looks like the Mark Bell suspension is not set in stone. Mirtle has a statement up from the NHLPA and it includes what can only be called fightin' words:

"We are currently reviewing all of our legal options with respect to this matter."

This case has already spun from disaster (jail) to inconvenience (off-season jail time) to pain in the ass (15 game suspension) to possibly the first battleground of the current collective bargaining agreement.

It will be interesting to see how vigorously the players union will fight against the possibility of secondary discipline from the league. Dany Heatley, Ian White, and Jay Bouwmeester were left to the justice meted out by civilian courts. Meanwhile, Mark Bell was the victim of Gary Bettman's attempt to level Roger Goodell-like heavy handed punishment.

This story could have quite the effect on the next CBA.

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Bell

I'm kind of hoping he doesn't play at all. His performance last year shows that he's not going to shine until this is past him, I say let him serve his time now and return to the NHL when he's a full player.

Failing that MLSE has the cash, send him to the Marlies all season.

by Chemmy on Sep 13, 2007 10:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Distraction

If Bell looks good in training camp and just gets the 15 games then I'd say play him.

However, if the NHLPA fights this and drags out the process it might be one distraction too many to overcome in which case let's see what Salmeleinan can do.

by PPP on Sep 13, 2007 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs