Wideman is expected to appeal Bettman’s decision to an independent arbitrator.
Advertisement
In his report, which was produced following a lengthy appeal process, Bettman said Wideman acknowledged the contact was the type to cause injury and couldn’t explain his actions. If that step is taken, McKenzie reported it will be the first time it’s been exercised by a player under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement.
Wideman was given a 20-game suspension for a blindside cross-check on linesman Don Henderson during a January 27 game against Nashville.
Wideman’s hit left Henderson in the hospital overnight for evaluation, and Wideman was suspended indefinitely until the league officially handed down the 20-game suspension. His 20-game ban was announced February 3 and he quickly filed an appeal through the NHLPA. “This decision completely ignores the effects of the concussion that Dennis sustained when he was driven into the boards eight seconds before colliding with the linesman”.
Flames president Brian Burke expressed his anger at the time this process is taking. He said Calgary disagreed “vehemently” with the decision and called the play an “accidental collision”.
The veteran blueliner was not penalized on the play but was suspended indefinitely by the league after the game concluded.
Henderson has since been sidelined and there is no timeline for his return, the league told Sportsnet in an email Tuesday evening.
For the appeal with Bettman, the NHLPA used two concussion experts, neurologist Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher and University of Toronto clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Paul Comper. He also pointed out how Wideman showed an understanding of his location and situation, calling for a line change before the incident.
Advertisement
The suspension will ultimately cost Wideman $564,516.13 from his 2015-16 salary, which will go to the players’ association’s Emergency Assistance Fund.
