What do you think of Chris Simon's 25 - game suspension?

Question

I certainly agree that the suspension is justified, and that it should be longer. If the NHL starts handing out some serious suspension time for these infractions, with a hefty fine added, we'd see less of this crap.
Things have improved a little, though. Philadelphia's Ron Hextall received only a 12 game suspension for for a serious attempt to remove Montreal's Chris Chelios's face with his goalie stick (after a playoff game in 1989). He, too, should have been suspended for a season.

Answer 1

Once again a Chris Simon question. I like this one though. The thing that gets me is that this is a RECORD suspension length in the NHL. This tells me that there is no attempt by the league to deter vicious intent. Like I've said before, Simon should have to petition the league for reinstatement. He should also go through an anger management course like anyone else who committed a violent act would have to. If the NHL decides to take a stand on repeat stick offenders, we wouldn't have discussions like this, and could focus on bigger and better things.

Answer 2

First off I am a Ranger fan, but I try my best to keep my anger of the Isles aside when discussing this topic.

I think the 25 game label is a joke. Simon's shot to me is worse than Bertruzzi's hit. Granted Betruzzi was a coward for hitting from behind but he didn't intend to drive Moore head first into the ice.

Simon knew very well what he was doing giving a double-handed swing to the face (whether he intened to hit him in the face or throat is irrelevant). The only lucky thing is that Hollweg came out with what a couple stitches as opposed to Moore's ended career. To me Simon surpasses Betruzzi because of the intent behind it.

I feel the suspension should be a minimum of a LOT longer. I know Bettman can extend the length of the suspension, and that yeah he's done for the season, but I would be more than happy to see him out for a good amount of next season as well (especially considering that this is what, the 7th suspension that's been handed to him??).

Answer 3

Okay first off don't ever say that it sucks to be a goon. They are getting paid hundreds of thousands more than most of us to go out and be a bad *** some of which aren't even good enough to score goals. I mean at least guys like Laraque and previously goon in the NHL McSorely have the skills to deposit the puck in the net and pick up a decent amount of assists. I'm not saying Simon doesn't but give me a break with the that's how the rest of would react bullshit. He's a goon. He could have dropped his gloves, grabbed him, beat the **** out of him, and received a game misconduct. Then he may have a received a game maybe two of suspension but he would have been right back out there.

It's true that refs need to call the game the right way to try to reduce these types of occurrences but do you realize this slash was near worse than all the other recent occurrences of stick work including Bertuzzi's incident.

Simon damn near slashed the guy in the throat. He could have killed the guy just like when McSorely slashed Brashear.

Simon's lucky he wasn't banned from the league and he probable owes that luck to the NHLPA.

Oh and to add to your answer SteveW he also has to seat without pay not like the whipped MLB.

Answer 4

I agree with revjohn, he should have got the same time as Alexander Perezhogan in the AHL. He did the same thing, but it ended with less severe results. I say if they have the intention, it should not matter how bad the person got injured. Perezhogan was suspended for the remander of the year and the next season, I felt the length of the suspension was right. Simon should get the same, especially since he has a history of suspensions.

Answer 5

In the wake of the Bertuzzi mess, I'd say the suspension is too light. The game is trying to go in a new direction and the Simons of the game aren't that valuable anymore. He got hit, didn't like it, and acted like a lunatic. Bertuzzi's suspension was way too light, and the NHL knows that now.
The Islanders won't miss him...watch. His "spot" on the roster will be filled and they'll barely notice.

Answer 6

His suspension is definately not long enough. What he did intentionally could have actually killed this guy!! And it's not his first suspension.
Instead the rest of this season and some games next season, they should suspend him for the rest of this season and then 25 games starting in the new season. That would teach him a bit more of a lesson.
He should also be forced to take anger management courses....this guy has a problem.
Hope he enjoys watching hockey on TV. Of course there's air hockey!!!

Answer 7

The NHL should put a warning with Chris Simon's suspension. If any hockey player EVER uses his stick as a weapon. He will be expelled from the league forever. Fighting and meanness is always a part of hockey and should stay. But, when players use their stick as a weapon; it just gives more clout to those who view hockey as a bruiser sport and not as the great game it is. They should shut up the naysayers forever by having this policy in place.

Answer 8

I am pleased that Colin Campbell did not back off the punishment because Hollweg was not severely injured. Simon deserves to be punished because of the infraction, not the result. I think he should get an entire year out of hockey personally, and should spend that year carrying Hollwegs equipment bag to and from the arena. When the medicine gets stronger, the disease will no longer be a problem.

Answer 9

total BS. he should be banned from playing completely. I was reading an article about him and the incident in the mercury news(paper in san jose) and this isn't the first time he's gotten suspended for being violent. He got in trouble for calling Grier the N word in 2002..he obviously has some serious anger issues.
I think that if you have a track record for doing crap like that, you're done. Hockey has a bad enough rep as it is because of "all the fighting and the hitting, blah blah blah" (granted that comes from people who watch one game and it's the worst match up you can imagine, ie colorado and detroit. So yeah it's going to be a physical game).
i'm getting off topic here..but back to my initial statement.
Simon's career should be over.

Answer 10

To the people who think Simon got off easy, hold your horses. McSorely was suspended for 23 games, but Bettman extended it. So we may yet get to see Simon sit longer. That being said, I'm alright with the suspension, however I would like to add a probation period where if he even sneezes and doesn't say excuse me, he's out for a game.