Mario Lemieux's Letter Regarding Team Punishments for Suspensions

[sabresfaninthesouth]

OK, so maybe this is just me being cynical, but I'm afraid of the fines system having a negative effect.

Colin Campbell works for the owners (maybe not as directly as Gary, but you know what I mean) and I see him being a bit scared to issue fines against his bosses.

So what I see happening is that the league would actually move backwards where fewer hits that are suspension-worthy actually result in a suspension because Collie doesn't want the fine to follow.

 

[dash]

OK, so maybe this is just me being cynical, but I'm afraid of the fines system having a negative effect.

Colin Campbell works for the owners (maybe not as directly as Gary, but you know what I mean) and I see him being a bit scared to issue fines against his bosses.

So what I see happening is that the league would actually move backwards where fewer hits that are suspension-worthy actually result in a suspension because Collie doesn't want the fine to follow.

When you factor in that Colie is looking for a GM job, that's not much of a reach either.

But of course, you are a lifelong cynic. :biggrin1:

 

[Darkstone42]

OK, so maybe this is just me being cynical, but I'm afraid of the fines system having a negative effect.

Colin Campbell works for the owners (maybe not as directly as Gary, but you know what I mean) and I see him being a bit scared to issue fines against his bosses.

So what I see happening is that the league would actually move backwards where fewer hits that are suspension-worthy actually result in a suspension because Collie doesn't want the fine to follow.

The pressures from other GMs, specifically those whose players fell victim to the hits, might balance that out. When it comes down to it, the idea can be sold quite well to the owners as a way of protecting their investments. What's worse, being fined $500K for your player checking a guy illegally, or losing a player to a concussion who you pay $5 million per year?

 

[elocomotive]

The pressures from other GMs, specifically those whose players fell victim to the hits, might balance that out. When it comes down to it, the idea can be sold quite well to the owners as a way of protecting their investments. What's worse, being fined $500K for your player checking a guy illegally, or losing a player to a concussion who you pay $5 million per year?

And may be worth $15 million...

 

[KennyBanyeah]

OK, so maybe this is just me being cynical, but I'm afraid of the fines system having a negative effect.

Colin Campbell works for the owners (maybe not as directly as Gary, but you know what I mean) and I see him being a bit scared to issue fines against his bosses.

So what I see happening is that the league would actually move backwards where fewer hits that are suspension-worthy actually result in a suspension because Collie doesn't want the fine to follow.

In bold is the problem.

There should be a committee of ex-players, ex-coaches/GMs and ex -referees that is approved by both the NHLPA and the league that works independent of either. Much like an arbitration mediator, this committee could be called on to make those tough decisions.