Gary Bettman maintains the entirety of Morgan Rielly’s suspension.
The moment Morgan Rielly was spotted entering the offices with NHLPA lawyers, it seemed likely that Gary Bettman would stand firm and take a tough stance on Morgan Rielly’s five-game suspension. Today, just one game before the suspension is due to end, Gary Bettman has confirmed his endorsement of George Parros’s decision, ensuring that Rielly will serve the full five-game suspension.
The suspension has sparked widespread discussion about the unwritten codes of hockey, the intentions behind Morgan Rielly and Brady Greig’s actions in the incident, and has remained a focal point in the news cycle for as long as the suspension itself. While many Leafs fans may appreciate seeing a Leaf player respond to what they perceive as disrespect, there remains a significant portion of fans who believe that the incident warranted a suspension, albeit with some surprise given the inconsistent nature of discipline for similar infractions such as crosschecks and headshots that occur after the whistle and away from the play.
It’s suggested that if this incident didn’t involve a player from the Toronto Maple Leafs, fans in Toronto would likely find the length of the suspension acceptable. However, there’s a perception among some that Toronto players face heightened scrutiny for their actions. Even for those who aren’t fans of the Leafs, it’s fair to acknowledge that the Department of Player Safety has a history of inconsistency in their disciplinary decisions over the years, which has failed to effectively deter players and has instead left many confused by their approach to meting out justice.
The Maple Leafs have thrived in Morgan Rielly’s absence, going 4-0-0 since his suspension. His actions have served as a rallying point for the team, especially following a stretch of lackluster performances leading up to the incident. Coach [Name] noted that Rielly’s actions defended the team’s respect, energizing their play. Although they eagerly anticipate Rielly’s return, they’re currently playing high-quality hockey and are optimistic about his impending comeback.
Rielly will sit out tomorrow night’s game against Arizona, but his return will coincide with a challenging matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, providing the team with a boost of fresh legs.
Regarding any potential further appeals, Rielly’s five-game suspension means that Gary Bettman has the final say, limiting the appeal process. If the suspension had been for six games, George Parros would have had to justify his decision before a neutral party. It’s notable that Parros likely avoided this scenario.
