Vermette ‘reviewing options’ after Bettman denies suspension appeal

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the 10-game suspension earned by Anaheim Ducks center Antoine Vermette, after the player and the NHLPA requested a review of the ruling.

In a Feb. 14 game between the Ducks and the Minnesota Wild, Vermette hit linesman Shandor Alphonso with his stick after a faceoff. That was in violation of Rule 40 for abuse of officials, which is a minimum of 10 games suspension.

“While in a particular case, and one such as this, the ten (10) game penalty may seem harsh, the purpose of Rule 40 is to protect Officials and ensure the integrity of our game. Therefore, any inappropriate conduct by Players vis-à-vis Officials cannot be condoned or tolerated,” wrote Bettman in a decision released on Saturday.

So what’s next for Vermette? He released a statement after the ruling (via Steve Whyno):

“First and foremost, I have great respect for the officials and the integrity of the game. Also, I agree that I deserve a suspension. I should never m mae contact with an official. At the earliest possible opportunity, I apologized to Mr. Shandor Alphonso. I was trying to get his attention and was not trying to hurt him. Howerver, using my stick was a mistake, and I accept full responsibility for my actions. I certainly hope my track record in the NHL will earn me the benefit of the doubt regarding this incident. I feel a 10-game suspension is excessive and will be reviewing my options. I look forward to returning to the lineup as soon as possible.”

Vermette’s suspension is up on March 12. Given the timing of things, an appeal to an independent arbitrator could get him back on the ice before that. But this is also about the money he’s losing – $97,222.22, to be exact to the penny.

An appeal here isn’t a bad idea. Bettman had to explain away a few other reduced suspensions in his ruling, and an independent arbitrator might see those precedents in a different light.

The bottom line is that it’s no surprise Bettman upheld the suspension – there was zero chance he was going to do anything that could be seen as not having the officials’ back after the Dennis Wideman incident last season.

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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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