NSR: Bertuzzi should be tossed out of the game

[Unorthodox]

That's what I do when I don't want or intend to hurt someone: I attack them from behind then drive their face into the ground. Seems about right. What a sack O' crap.

[Crinkle]

VERDICT IS IN:
suspended for the rest of the year and post season play
$250,000 fine to the Canucks
has to reapply to the league to play next year

and Canadian authorities are looking into it.

[half-fast]

I thought it was bad-but its not in the same league as going after somebody with a stick

Where I work if I punch a co-worker, I get fired. If I get convicted of a felony, I get fired. If I fail a drug test, I get fired. If I choke my boss, I get fired.

if you threw a clean hip check at a co-worker you get fired, too
where do you draw the line for bringing the law into sports?

[Canuk]

For those of you who didn't see it - I'm assuming Dewey was one of them - here is what Bertuzzi said at his press conference:

"These comments are for Steve.

"Steve, I just want to apologize for what happened out there. I had no intention of hurting you and I feel awful for what has transpired.

"To Steve's family, I'm sorry that you had to go through this and I'm sorry again for what happened out there.

"I'm relieved to hear that Steve will have a full recovery. It means a lot to me to hear that's going to happen."

"I want to apologize to Mr. Burke and (Canucks owner) Mr. (John) McCaw, the Vancouver Canuck organization, and my teammates," he said.

"To the fans of hockey and the fans of Vancouver and the kids that watch this game, I'm truly sorry. I don't play the game that way. I'm not a mean-spirited person and I'm sorry for what happened."

Having watched it, it seemed pretty sincere to me - either that or the guy deserves an oscar for crying the entire way through it.

It's a horrible thing to see, a huge black mark on the game, and most importantly a terrible thing for Steve Moore. I think that the league did a good job with the suspension. Taking a guy like Bertuzzi out for the playoffs is like taking anyone of us out of some of the deepest powder days of our lives. It's a concequence that will change the way he plays the game.

[dewey]

Actually, I did see that. That is exactly what I am talking about.

He says, "I am sorry for what happened out there." - As if it just "happened," like he didn't seek the dude out and try to hurt him.

I am sure Bertuzzi is sincere that he wished this never happened - especially now that he is in a media shitstorm and out half a mil. But come the fuck on! "I never meant to hurt you."?!!??
Does he really expect anyone who's seen the video or Moore himself to believe that. He DID mean to hurt him. He should apologize for being such a brainless thug, and say it was wrong, and he should change.
"What happened out there..." that's a fucking cop-out.

[Skidawg]

So the ending result was a done for this season, including the team's playoffs. The Canucks lose one of the best power forwards in the league and their chances of winning are hurt. Then a reinstatement request before next year, with Moore's recovery status being taken into account. He is expected to make a full recovery, but they haven't mentioned that in hockey context much.

All in all I'd say that's fair.

[Canuk]

Originally posted by dewey
Actually, I did see that. That is exactly what I am talking about.

He says, "I am sorry for what happened out there." - As if it just "happened," like he didn't seek the dude out and try to hurt him.

I am sure Bertuzzi is sincere that he wished this never happened - especially now that he is in a media shitstorm and out half a mil. But come the fuck on! "I never meant to hurt you."?!!??
Does he really expect anyone who's seen the video or Moore himself to believe that. He DID mean to hurt him. He should apologize for being such a brainless thug, and say it was wrong, and he should change.
"What happened out there..." that's a fucking cop-out.

Dewey, you seem to have amazing powers of perception. Knowing that he meant to hurt him, and that he is only sorry because is is out $500K. On top of that, it must be nice to have never done anything you regret, or to have never made a poor choice in the heat of the moment.

Get off your highhorse. Sure he meant to punch him, and maybe he even meant to hit him with a cheap shot. But to think that he intended to end his season, and hosiptalize Moore, you have to be joking. Hate the act as much as you like, but don't try to tell me that you know what he was thinking, or intended to do.

[Greydon Clark]

Originally posted by Canuk

Sure he meant to punch him, and maybe he even meant to hit him with a cheap shot. But to think that he intended to end his season, and hosiptalize Moore, you have to be joking. Hate the act as much as you like, but don't try to tell me that you know what he was thinking, or intended to do.

Unless you're a sociopathic Neanderthal you don't intend to break the guys neck, but intent is irrelevant when you do. It was a cheap shot with dire consequences to the individual, Moore, and the sport of hockey. This type of play deserves sever punishment. (This incident is the only coverage the league will get many US markets, that doesn't help with TV contracts or with "growing" the sport.) Personally a year suspension would be appropriate, the fine, and the Canucks should pay Moore's salary while he is injured.

[Canuk]

Originally posted by Greydon Clark
Unless you're a sociopathic Neanderthal you don't intend to break the guys neck, but intent is irrelevant when you do. It was a cheap shot with dire consequences to the individual, Moore, and the sport of hockey. This type of play deserves sever punishment. (This incident is the only coverage the league will get many US markets, that doesn't help with TV contracts or with "growing" the sport.) Personally a year suspension would be appropriate, the fine, and the Canucks should pay Moore's salary while he is injured.

I agree totally with you regarding hurting the sport in the US, Greydon. This event will only hurt the perception that hockey has in the US. It is already viewed as a bit of a good sport, and Mr. Bertuzzi has only reinforced that.

The Canuck's fine, as well as Bertuzzi's $500K in salary that he is loosing is going into the NHL's 'Player's Emergency Assistance Fund'. I am not exactly sure what that is, but I am sure that they will be helping out Mr. Moore. I hope the kid is back on skates soon.....

[duph]

Bertuzzi deserved at least as much as he got. Not just for what he did to Moore, but what he's done to hockey. As if there weren't enough people already who thought it was too barbaric. How many parents on the fence will be putting their kids into basketball instead now?

I think there's a good chance he won't be playing at all next season either - if only because it seems there won't be an NHL season next year...

About his apology - I doubt it's a coincidence that he did that AFTER he had his 1 hour meeting in Toronto. He did seem sincere enough, but I bet a public apology was really the first part of his punishment.

[fridge]

Originally posted by dewey
Bertuzzzi out for the season!
he said, in an apology to Moore... "I never intended to hurt you..."
!?!?!?
what a fucking insincere sack of shit.
if you apologize, shouldn't you at least admit you totally fucked up royally?

I'm not a lawyer, but considering he is under investigation, I'm pretty sure he was advised to choose his words carefully.

Check out this link
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/columns/top...lowlights.html

I know this is a different era, but when you fracture someone's skull with your stick and get a 30 day suspension, I'd say what Bertuzzi got was harsh (but deserved).

Plus, Bertuzzi's suspension isn't final. It's been left open so he might not end up playing in the world's, as well as the start of next season.

[Eldo]

Canuk seems to be mostly alone in defending the guy, so I asked my sportswriter buddy who has covered the NHL for years for an assessment of Bertuzzi as a person, and not just a pro hockey player.

His reply: "A jerk and a bully."

The NHL is full of guys for whom this incident would have been totally out of character. But it doesn't sound like Bertuzzi is one of them.

[DaveTV]

He did it before in January
Bertuzzi showed his frustration in the final seconds, breaking Nashville defenseman Karlis Skrastins' nose with a punch and receiving a double-minor for roughing.

"I think Todd Bertuzzi is an outstanding player, but he basically sucker-punched Karlis Skrastins," Trotz said. "What he did was unacceptable. I believe that he should be suspended and the league will deal with it. It doesn't belong in our game."

[778skier]

Originally posted by DaveTV
He did it before in January
Bertuzzi showed his frustration in the final seconds, breaking Nashville defenseman Karlis Skrastins' nose with a punch and receiving a double-minor for roughing.

"I think Todd Bertuzzi is an outstanding player, but he basically sucker-punched Karlis Skrastins," Trotz said. "What he did was unacceptable. I believe that he should be suspended and the league will deal with it. It doesn't belong in our game."

Irrelevant, i'd be honestly suprised if there's a single NHL player out there who's never dished out some kind of sucker punch.

Another note, to think about, if he really, really intended to hurt Moore badly, dont you think there's better ways to do it? I mean personnaly if i wanted to actually hurt someone, i'd atleast take my glove off before i hit them and i'd probably make sure i hit them when they werent wearing a helmet. I'd also probably use my stick or my skate or do it up against the boards or something else more damaging.

As to the sportswriter quote above, he probably got dissed by bertuzzi in an interview and is now bitter.

[powderpyg]

Originally posted by DaveTV
So what were they supposed to bench him every time they played Vancouver? Bullshit. McSorley's lawyer was on CNN this morning, and he said the big dif with this case from a legal standpoint was PREMEDITATION..

I don't beleive that is what I stated. I was talking about this game particular, the score was 8-2, shit had been simmering all game long. Moore fought Cooke, but refused to go with others trying to start things. So, I say Granato knew putting him back on the ice would cause trouble.

Give me a break it was PREMEDITATION. Your telling me that Bert decided two weeks ago, that he was going to skate up to Moore from behind, sucker him and then drive his head into the ice...RIIIGHT. He was skating behind Moore, trying to get him to fight and when Moore turned to skate away, he snapped and we don't need to go any further with what happened, but I hardly think it was premeditated. A bunch of guys on the Canucks said he'd get his payback, right after Naslund was knocked out, that was in the heat of the moment and who doesn't say shit like that when things are heated. You don't think that Colorado players wouldn't have said the same thing if let's say Joe Sakic had been laid out, instead of Naslund. If you do, I think your a little nieve.

On another note. I like how Granato says how there's no place for this shyte in the game. I seem to remember a few years ago, when Tony played for L.A. he got suspended for two handing somebody in the head with his stick. I wish I could remember how long he was suspended for?

Nice sentence. Let's see we'll give him 12 games, then all of the playoffs and then, wellll, if we decide that we think he is repentant enough we might let him play next year. Make your friggin minds up give him however many games your gunna give him and be done with it.

[Greydon Clark]

Originally posted by 778skier
Irrelevant, i'd be honestly suprised if there's a single NHL player out there who's never dished out some kind of sucker punch.

Lots of players have class. That is why they have the Ladybing.

Another note, to think about, if he really, really intended to hurt Moore badly, dont you think there's better ways to do it? I mean personnaly if i wanted to actually hurt someone, i'd atleast take my glove off before i hit them and i'd probably make sure i hit them when they werent wearing a helmet. I'd also probably use my stick or my skate or do it up against the boards or something else more damaging.

You're suggesting he should have kicked him? What kind of fucking asshole are you? Try buying some class or at least a clue, until then I hope you stick to broom ball, at least you'll be able to beat up on chicks.

[DaveTV]

Originally posted by 778skier
Irrelevant, i'd be honestly suprised if there's a single NHL player out there who's never dished out some kind of sucker punch.

Dude are you watchin NHL games, or that old VHS of "SlapShot"??

[778skier]

GC: Asshole? No, but thats exactly my point, neither is bertuzzi. What i was trying to say was they if he REALLY wanted to injure someone that would be one way to do it, not punch someone with your glove on. I'll buy a clue when you learn to read.

DTV:, a sucker punch that doesnt break a nose or draw attention is still a sucker punch. The fact that it breaks a nose is usually luck. They happen every game, and i'd laugh if anyone told me they played more than a year in any type of hockey and never threw a single sucker punch.


More on Bertuzzis "Intent", from backbertuzzi.com

"Did he really mean to "drive Moore's face into the ice?" It is out opinion at BackBertuzzi.com that, that's simply not true and that it makes for a more drastic story for the media so they are obviously trying to drum it up, however one viewer has sent us some evidence that may suggest that Bertuzzi may have tripped over a stick which caused him to loose balance. Check out the photo,"
http://www.backbertuzzi.com/Trip.htm

[seldon]

Originally posted by 778skier


More on Bertuzzis "Intent", from backbertuzzi.com

"Did he really mean to "drive Moore's face into the ice?" It is out opinion at BackBertuzzi.com that, that's simply not true and that it makes for a more drastic story for the media so they are obviously trying to drum it up, however one viewer has sent us some evidence that may suggest that Bertuzzi may have tripped over a stick which caused him to loose balance. Check out the photo,"
http://www.backbertuzzi.com/Trip.htm

tripped on a stick?? that, sir, is bullshit. He already owned up to it. He didn't trip on a frikin stick, he did it by choice. I'm not sure if you're BACKING this viewpoint, but if you were, then you probably haven't seen the pictures/vids

[DaveTV]

i'd laugh if anyone told me they played more than a year in any type of hockey and never threw a single sucker punch.

Well u better laugh cause I never did it, and played a good bit in my youth.

[powslut]

Originally posted by 778skier


"Did he really mean to "drive Moore's face into the ice?" It is out opinion at BackBertuzzi.com that, that's simply not true and that it makes for a more drastic story for the media so they are obviously trying to drum it up, however one viewer has sent us some evidence that may suggest that Bertuzzi may have tripped over a stick which caused him to loose balance. Check out the photo,"
http://www.backbertuzzi.com/Trip.htm

yeah thats just great. he tripped over his own stick after he dropped it to sucker punch Moore. that justifies everything .

By the way...why are we raising such a stink about Bertuzzi playing next season? Everyone knows that there isn't going to be a next season.

[duph]

Originally posted by 778skier
They happen every game, and i'd laugh if anyone told me they played more than a year in any type of hockey and never threw a single sucker punch.

20+ years, never. Not once. Where I grew up that got you suspended for at least a game.

edit: Yeah, there were a few players I saw in youth/hs leagues that would do that. They'd get punished, thaen do it again. 9 times out of 10 it was because they were frustrated at being such shitty hockey players.

[maddog]

if you threw a clean hip check at a co-worker you get fired, too
where do you draw the line for bringing the law into sports? [/B][/QUOTE]


I draw the line at the rules of the game. A hip check is part of the game of hockey ( as far as I know). So is a great block in football or a collision at the plate in baseball. Punching people is not a part of any game I know except boxing, and in a civilized society, people who punch others at work (even if work is playing a game) should be fired, charged with assault and thrown in jail. That's what would happen to me, and just about anyone else on this board. It made me sick to watch that fat old manager throw a punch at, and get thrown to the ground by the pitcher at the world series, and it makes me sick to see these immature, pitiful, assholes we call athletes commit felonies and get "suspended." Throw their sorry butts in jail. I'll buy tickets or watch games on TV when that happens. Until then I'm through with college and pro sports... and good riddance.

[duph]

Originally posted by maddog

I'm through with college and pro sports... and good riddance.

But you participate in this forum, right? You don't let the occasional asshole make you quit reading it do you?

Unfortunately you are not alone in viewing these ugly incidents as the norm in sports. You're letting a few bad apples keep you out of the orchard. Cheap shots like Bertuzzi's are what the media thrives on, and those are the types of things they shove in your face over and over again.

When someone scores a beautiful goal, hits a home run or runs 90 yards for a touchdown - those aren't headlines. Blood and violence are headlines. Hate the media, not the game.

[maddog]

Originally posted by duph
But you participate in this forum, right? You don't let the occasional asshole make you quit reading it do you?

Unfortunately you are not alone in viewing these ugly incidents as the norm in sports. You're letting a few bad apples keep you out of the orchard. Cheap shots like Bertuzzi's are what the media thrives on, and those are the types of things they shove in your face over and over again.

When someone scores a beautiful goal, hits a home run or runs 90 yards for a touchdown - those aren't headlines. Blood and violence are headlines. Hate the media, not the game.

...If a substantial number of people on this board started committing violent crimes, yes, I would quit reading it. The media is not committing these violent acts, the athletes are, and will continue to do so as long as they are condoned by fans and managers of the sports industry. It's all about big money, and they won't be getting any more of mine. I'll find my beauty in art, nature, literature, etc. I don't hate the game, I hate what the game has become.