Friday Mailbag

Arron Asham won't have to pay for being "classless."

That was his own description of his actions after a fight against Jay Beagle of the Washington Capitals on Thursday night. A joint decision by NHL executives Brendan Shanahan and Colin Campbell today, however, ruled that Asham will not face additional league sanction, either a fine or suspension.

The league is expected to issue a statement later today and warn other players that similar pantomine antics as those delivered by Asham won't be tolerated in the future. Two players, James Wisniewski and Nick Boynton, were suspended by Campbell last season for inappropriate gestures, and Trevor Gillies of the New York Islanders was suspended at least partially for standing over Eric Tangradi of Pittsburgh and taunting him after knocking Tangradi to the ice with an illegal head shot.

Apparently, however, Shanahan and Campbell have decided not to sanction Asham because players have not been specifically warned about celebratory post-fight gestures.

So another black eye for the NHL goes unpunished. That's just the way this league rolls.

Asham made the rather unfortunate decision to mock  Beagle after leaving Beagle unconcious on the ice after a fight. Rather than just skate to the penalty box, Asham chose to play to the delight of the Pittsburgh fans with a couple of gestures, including one that mimicked Beagle going to sleep.

Given that Beagle was face down in his own blood at the time, it was a terribly offensive gesture by Asham, one he quickly admitted after the game was "classless."

 

 

On one hand, it was reminiscent of Tie Domi pretending to put on a championship belt after winning a hockey fight or other silly gestures. On the other hand, given that Beagle was injured, it was truly regrettable, particularly after all the unfortunate incidents the game has had to endure in the past six months.

Last year, Campbell suspended Boynton one game for a pre-season throat-slashing gesture, then banned Wisniewski, then of the New York Islanders, for a lewd gesture towards Avery.

Did Asham's misdemeanor fall into the same category as Boynton's or Wisniewski's? Should it have?

Something to chew on, even for Leaf fans wondering who will be coming out of the lineup against Calgary on Saturday to make way for Cody Franson and when, oh when, Tim Connolly will be back from what most have concluded is a shoulder injury (given the fact the NHL embraces this silly lower body/upper body injury reporting jargon, feel free to speculate all you want about injuries.)

This is the first week of this season's hockey mailbag. Start sending in your questions on just about any subject that tickles your fancy, and I'll do my best to get to any or all of 'em.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS

Here's this week's mail bag:

Q: Damien. I've watched and heard your thoughts on hockey for the last 15 years. I have also agreed with you on most of your positions. I can't however agree that Don Cherry's recent thoughts with regards to violence and hits to the head should be pushed aside. Children from the age of 4 to 14 should not be subjected to stupidity. It has to end soon.

No hits to the head, no hits from behind.

Somebody needs to figure it out before a child gets killed.

Gary O'Neill, Toronto

A: I think Hockey Canada is the body that exerts far more control on these issues than Cherry, quite frankly, and with respect to head shots, Hockey Canada has adopted a zero tolerance policy that was overdue. It was sad to watch Cherry lament the loss of concussive head shots last week on Coach's Corner, but with respect to hits from behind, he's been a pretty strong proponent of the stop sign program, even advocating that the stop sign be moved to the back of the helmet from the back of the shoulders.

In general, I just don't see Cherry and his vaudeville show has a lot of impact on kids. They just kind of laugh at the comedy. It's adults you have to wonder about. They're almost always the ones that cause trouble in minor hockey.

Q: Clearly, Don Cherry has a business conflict of interest in promoting violence in hockey. Since 1989, Don Cherry and his son have made a small fortune in the production of Rock'em Sock'em vidoes, which cash in on and glorifiy the worst of hockey violence and fighting.

Mark Thomas, Toronto

A: I agree with you that it's a conflict. On the other hand, it's not like anyone doesn't know about it. Cherry's commercial interests are pretty much above board, and most intelligent people understand his constant pandering to the more violent aspects of the game is, to some extent, him feathering his own nest.

Cherry makes money off the bloodier parts of the game. I think we all know that, and it doesn't bother me. I mean, he honestly loves the scraps and the violence and the goons. It's not like he's making it up to make money.

Stu Grimson, now, may feel differently. Called a "hypocrite" and a "puke" by Cherry last week for reasons that still mystify, Grimson noted quite correctly in a radio interview this week that Cherry had no problem featuring him in his hockey videos when he was playing and fighting, but has now thrown him under the bus now that there's no more money to be made highlighting the exploits of "The Grim Reaper."

Q: Hi Damien. How long until the NHL starts pulling back on Shanahan? Considering there are 5-10 teams bleeding red ink, and they still pay the salary of a suspended player (into the fund) plus have to pay a call-up replacement! You have to think it could cause issues.(and conspiracy theories if the optics are that Phoenix and Florida players seem to get off easier than Leaf or Ranger players)

Ridley Wetton, Woodstock

A: I think we're going to have to sit and watch this play out. As noted, there is more on Shanahan's docket today. It's been argued that by being tough early, he has set a tone that has persuaded players to stay away from incidents that might get them suspended. We'll see.

As far as the cost to teams, I think you could argue that the cost of players injured by players who are subsequently suspended is much higher. Joe Thornton got two games, but the Blues missed David Perron for an entire year, for example. Finally, with respect to conspiracy theories, I don't really buy any of them and neither should you.

Q: Hi Damien. I am wondering if you can clarify what the NHL rule is on a player who is suspended. Can a team call up another player to replace the suspended player or does the team have to carry on with that player on their active roster. My fantasy league is expecting more and longer suspensions with Sheriff Shanahan in Town.

Richard Latendresse, Brampton

A: The player stays on the 23-man active roster. Clarke MacArthur, for instance, has been on the Leafs' active roster for the first two games of the season.

Q: Hi Damien. What is your opinion on Sean Avery? I used to have a pretty low opinion of him, but that has changed a bit over time. If he mellowed out a bit, and stopped make stupid decisions that penalized his team, could he be an effective player worth taking a chance on? He can score goals, and if he focused on it, could be a 20 goal scorer.

I guess with (Dion) Phaneuf on the Leafs, (Brian) Burke would never go after Avery, but if that obstacle were removed, could Avery be a useful (if risky) piece for the Leafs?

Arthur Bailey, Red Lake

A: For starters, no, the Leafs wouldn't be an option, and really, I don't get a sense Avery is good enough to help any team any more, but we'll see. There's no chance he can be a 20-goal scorer (he never was, not once topping 15 in the NHL) and he brings so much baggage and controversy with him (plus a significant cap hit) that he has to be very effective to make it worthwhile to have him around. I don't know Avery except as a hockey player, and I've always found his act to be pretty despicable. Whether he's mellowed, who knows? I thought his stance on gay marriage was useful and noteworthy, but that has nothing to do with the sport and doesn't do much, at least in my mind, to rehabilitate his tarnished public image.

Q: Now let me see. (Keith) Aulie who turned around Phaneuf’s season last year gets cut and Franson who has been completely marginal and (Mike) Komisarek who has been really really marginal stay! You have (John-Michael) Liles and (Jake) Gardiner who can rush the puck. (Darryl) Boyce who is a gritty grinder and (Colton) Orr stays? (Phillipe) Dupuis who falls at will stays! Monster has been marginal and (Ben) Scrivens goes! (Joey) Crabb goes, (Jay) Rosehill stays! AMAZING, Simply Amazing! I wonder who played in those last 30 games last year? Go Leafs Go! Wow!

J Man, Markham

A: I see your point, although I disagree with your assessment that Aulie "turned around" Phaneuf's season. Look, there are always roster choices to be made, and the fact is that Aulie had a poor training camp and could be sent to the minors without requiring waivers, which made it easy. Contracts - one-ways versus two-ways - and player status determine many of these moves. That's the way of the business. You don't want to have to put a guy on waivers and possibly pay him NHL money to play in the minors unless you really have to. And let's be honest. None of these players you mention are core players, and that's the life of being a support NHLer.

 

 

Comments

[Jeff51]

Please read and sign this petition to get Don Cherry off the CBC..and tell your friends!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/cherry-must-leave-the-cbc.html

[Peter]

Hm, interesting that Grimson and the others are complaining that Cherry made money on them and now they are being thrown under the bus. How about this: they made money by being a fighter in the league but now they are more than willing to take that away from the other guys. How is this any better that Cherry?

[Andy]

Shocking. You have fighting in a sports and people who participate act like douchebags. Absolutely shocking. I'm shocked.

[Wrath]

I am all for suspending a guy for stupid actions but this is not suspendable. I admit its a classless act but Asham go carried away by moment and the crowed. Beagle started the whole thing and if a penalty was called on the play, the whole thing could of been avoited.

[James, Toronto]

Disgrace the game? Really Damien, no need to be so melodramatic.

I could see your point if it was a dirty hit or something, but this guy chose to step up and deservedly got his butt handed to him. I'm sure he has more important things to worry about right now than 'mockery' (like getting some replacement teeth). Life goes on.

[Phreak]

Come on.. It was a simple sleep notion as he skated away.. he barely knew how bad he was knocked out until he got tot he bench.. you then see him slapping his stick when beagle got up.. nothing more needs to be said after this.

[Tim Garrett]

The NHL is a disgrace. seriously. i would rather watch roller derby. at least that sport doesn't take itself seriously.

don cherry. aaron asham. wade belak. very very sad.

[Dan]

As someone who's not close to the game of hockey, it seems pretty simple. Either 1) allow fighting in hockey and everything that goes along with it (taunting, showboating, etc) or 2) disallow fighting and anything close to mocking, taunting should be penalized.

Damien, your so-called headline of "disgracing" hockey seems a bit over the top. Grown men playing a GAME and getting excited about a goal, winning a fight, beating the other team, etc - there's no "honour" in how they celebrate - let them celebrate the way they want to. Ppl these days are so sensitive.

[TedNes]

Asham is innocent of everything except bad judgement....he just finished decking the guy, the adrenalin surging---you're not always going to have a clear head....he banged his stick on the glass in appreciation when Beagle got up, and Asham admitted shame after the game......fine him $2500 and be done with it.....

and Beagle?----perhaps it wouldn't have been so bad if he had taken his visor-clad helmet off before dropping the gloves....did the visor cut him?.....did the visor wrenching down contribute to the hit to the jaw?.....

[suede]

I'm not sure you can separate this from the fighting debate. I don't see how it can be taken as completely acceptable that two people can come to a dead stop in the middle of a fast-paced game and start punching each other in the face like buffoons (speaking strictly in terms of technique), but that one celebrating a crushing defeat of the other is taking it too far. Think about the adrenaline coursing through your body when you're actually forced to come to blows with somebody. I'm surprised players manage to be even as cordial as they do when the fight is over - something that only adds an even greater element of farce to the entire spectacle, in my opinion.

[Chris]

Wow, Damien -- let's get a quick grip here. Do you really think Asham knew his opponent was seriously injured on the play? He let Beagle fall to the ice and immediately turned around toward the penalty box. The 'sleep' gesture was made three, yes (3) three seconds after Beagle slipped to the ice.

Impossible to determine severity and certainly excusable in the heat of the moment. No one, not even Asham, is arguing that this wasn't a stupid, disrespectful thing to do. But, this is hardly the collapse of the sport. Give Asham a little credit for his previous clean record and his handling of the situation immediately after (while in the penalty box) and in the post-game.

[Ken]

"unfortunate"? This kind of stuff is why I don't watch NHL hockey anymore. It's a joke, players with no respect for the game or each other. Suspend him and not just for one game.

[Ed Palys]

All this was Asham's connected with a right to Beagle's face. When Beagle went down, Asham actually held onto his sweater to soften his fall. It seems to me that Beagle started the fight. As for the gestures, somewhat inappropriate, but understandable in the heat of the action.

[Todd]

Regarding Asham's sleeping gesture --- I'm kind of on the fence about it in regards to it being "terribly offensive".

He lands a solid punch, Beagle goes down and Asham immediately starts skating to the penalty box without even looking back. He didn't attempt to throw another punch --- he stopped as soon as the other guy started going down. He doesn't look back once as he skates away. Then he makes the hand motions. Watching the vid, I have a hard time believing he immediately knew how bad Beagle was hurt. He knew he was down...but hurt as serious as he was? Don't believe so.

So I don't find the sleeping gesture offensive --- just the fact that he made any sort of gesture is annoying. What's next, NFL-style dancing after winning a fight?

[jimjack]

Watched the video of this fight and I agree that it is a sickening display. First, that Ashram fights Letang's battle, even though the infraction Beagle made should have resulted in a penalty and was (mostly) incidental contact and relatively harmless (many would argue taking Letang's helmet off was dangerous but that is more a functioin of not wearing the helmet properly). Second that Ashram mocked the injured Beagle was clearly catering to the cementheads in the crowd that are found in any U.S.A. venue. Notice however that Ashram cannot really know how badly Beagle is hurt because he skates away so quickly and also that Ashram held the collar of Beagle's sweater thereby letting his head down easy. Had he not done this, I think Beagle's face would have planted really hard on the ice as I am certain he was KO'd. That was no accident and does speak well of Ashram. Bottom line: a true example of the ridiculous role fighting in the NHL plays. NOT sport!

[Paul]

WWE NHL same diff? That's how most Americans view hockey and have done since the 1970s this just plays into that , so what else is new.

[Bob Bob]

Aaron Asham should be "fired" and not play with the NHL ever again. I'm disgusted....

[Dana]

In this era of the UFC, where anything goes, Asham's gesture was mild at best. It's a fight, and to the victor goes the spoils. Big deal, he bragged that he won a fair fight.

[Jimmy]

Dearl Damien,

When you reprint a question like the last one, you are feeding into several misconceptions and I feel as a professional who should know better than the average fan, that you should be correcting the guy. Credit where its due, you do tell him his idea that Aullie turned Phaneuf's season around is rather dumb, biut you dont go far enough. Aullie is only in the minors b/c Gunneson will fetch more if he is playing and Keith doesnt need to clea waivers.
While you're at it, why not point out that if you see Dupouis fall a couple of times, its only confimation bias that makes it seem like he cant skate. No offence to the heroic Boyce, but Dupuis is faster and better overall. Rosehill Brings something the Leafs obviously want, and for 4 minutes a game, it hardly makes a significant difference. Scrivens over Gustufson might have some merit, but Gustufson cant go to the minors and still has potential.

The one you really should have corrected him on is Komiserick. Without being rude, if you are still hating on Komiserik, you arent watching the play away from the puck enough and you are simply basing you assessment on a combination of mob mentality/group think and his play while he was injured. Komiserick deserves someone with you credibility coming to his defence. I can tell the truth till im blue in the face, but since no one - amazingly - pays me for my hockey opinion, its up to you Damien.

[Colin W]

Mmm...why does Arron Asham's "classless" actions have to be a reflection on the state of hockey? It seems to me that by shifting the focus from the player and laying it on the league, we are creating a less than desirable situation. People talk about players needing to respect each other, and as Asham himself admitted, he crossed that line. I fail to see how that is a reflection on the game and not more of a reflection on the player. Yes, the reputation of the league has been a bit ragged lately, but that doesn't give players a "Get Out of Jail" card when they mess up. Then again, for all the proponents of fighting, this is what happens when a player gets caught up in the moment. Do we really expect them to be wailing on each other, for our entertainment, and then in the next instant, be lucid enough to act like gentlemen? Seems to me that we want to have our cake and eat it at the same time. My mom always told me that doesn't work.

[MP]

I know the media loves an excuse to show these "horrible" violent clips over and over again, but I really wish the NHL would stop pandering to everyone as it concerns their disciplinary proceedings. I like to watch and read about hockey, not the silly crime and punishment sideshow that gets the know-it-all "NHL Insiders" frothing every night. These injury and suspension-related soap operas are more reminiscent of professional wrestling than anything I've seen happen on the ice.

[Tripleg24]

Asham was immitating CM Punk from WWE (via Go to Sleep). People react when winning a fight. He didn't know how bad it was. Hockey is so homoerotic.

[nugentmania]

I'd have to agree with others who have posted the argument that it's not as if Asham stood over Beagle and taunted him. The ref turned him away and he did something classless.....fine him and let it go. If you want a real example of bad optics meeting horrible intent, watch Trevor Gillies yelling at Eric Tangradi and the Pittsburgh trainer.

[Bill LLoyd]

What stupidity, it is time to ban all fighting...lets start with 5 games for taking your gloves off, 20 games if you throw a punch, a year for a second offense, and a lifetime ban on the third. Then we can have a real game by players with skil and talent. Not this roller derby meets wrestling nonsense.

[Earl the Pearl]

Asham's move was stupid and classless but the guy wanted to fight and Asham stopped as soon as the guy started to go down. Doesn't Cox have soimething more inmportant to write about?

Are TSN and sportswriters trying to stir up controversy to gain audience? Yes!