Did I hear somebody mention cheese?
Posted on 04/21/2017 8:18:28 AM PDT by rickmichaels
When Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman was slapped with a 20-game suspension for his January 2016 collision with NHL linesman Don Henderson, he received the second harshest penalty ever issued by the league for contact with an official.
But if Henderson gets his way, Wideman and the Flames could be coughing up even more.
Something to the tune of $10.25 million, to be exact.
According to reports from TSN and CTV News, as well as relaying of the information from Sporting News, Henderson filed a lawsuit against Wideman and the Flames on April 18, seeking general damages of $200,000, special damages "to pay for housekeeping, yard work and hospital expenses" of $50,000, not to mention damages for loss of income and future loss of income of $10 million.
The lawsuit stems from this infamous Jan. 27, 2016, collision, an apparent behind-the-back cross-checking move from Wideman after the Flames blueliner sustained a hard hit from a Nashville Predators opponent and was returning to his bench.
It's pretty clear from the video, reviewed extensively more than a year ago, that Wideman suffered big contact himself. The debate, however, will rage on about whether his skate back to the bench -- and the forceful blow to Henderson's backside along the way -- was delivered with ill intent or from a mere state of confusion. Common sense says that Wideman's progression from dazed victim to blatant bully does not add up.
From Rick Westhead, TSN's senior correspondent:
According to his lawsuit, Henderson suffered injuries to his head, neck back, shoulder, and right knee. He also allegedly suffered a concussion, pain, numbness and tingling in his right arm and hand, shock anxiety and depression, headaches and permanent and partial disability.
None of the allegations have been proven in court. No statements of defence have been filed. A Flames spokesperson did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.
Video: Intentional or Accidental? Flames Player Destroys NHL Linesman
In that video, there’s no question Wideman did it on purpose, raising his stick to hit Henderson in the back of the neck!
On the other hand, Henderson got back up and skated away, not looking particularly damaged.
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so refs can sue the player and the league?.....lets also have the players sue them as well, for wrong calls.
What happens on the ice should stay on the ice.
The NHL should have coverage for their officials in the event of injuries, they already do sanction those who abuse officials.
This does not belong in the courts. Otherwise we will see a lawsuit after every slew foot, head check, spear, or high stick.
It was a bizarre incident that seemingly defies explanation — partly because Wideman had no previous disciplinary issues over more than ten years in the NHL before that game.
collision ? it was a hit ..
Did I hear somebody mention cheese?
Given the quality of NHL officiating these days, I’m surprised it doesn’t happen more often, but to referees, not linesman.
NHL rules are fungible, “evolve” over the course of the season and are subject to the interpretation of, and selective enforcement by, officials. Watch any NHL game and you’ll see blatant fouls overlooked when a referee is staring right at the players and the most minor and questionable of infractions rung up immediately. During the Cup playoff season, it’s even worse.
That’s totally inappropriate. It’s lewd, lascivious, salacious, outrageous!
That’s the way the League wants it.
Considering how many goals are overturned by offside calls that were missed, I’d say that’s prima facie evidence that NHL Refs suck.
How many goals are overturned by missed offside calls?
Too late now.
I’m sure the NHL tried to resolve the linesman’s issues regarding compensation but it wasn’t enough. I guess the NHLs’ Officials Assoc. didn’t want to get in a p$ssing contest with Bettman over this either. So lawyer up and off he goes. Bad precedent though. How much is the bar lowered here in a civil action - to negligence as well?So if a player clears the puck out of his zone but in doing so shoots it directly at the ref hitting his face causing severe injuries and he is not satisfied with compensation from the NHL he now sues the player?
I can’t believe it’s even being discussed, that was a deliberate hit on the ref......20 game suspension? It should be for life......
Looks can be deceiving and the extent of injuries are often times not felt or known till later........
And players wear shoulder pads, refs don't........
Wideman should have been banned from the league that very day.
Too late! Widemon used a dirty trick Friday night to cripple Boston Bruins center David Krejki.
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