Commissioner Bettman upholds Wideman’s 20-game suspension

In the end, Bettman said he “did not credit” Wideman’s testimony that he tried to avoid Henderson.

Wideman’s case is now expected to be turned over to an independent arbitrator.

Wideman’s head rattled off the boards, he got up slowly, and appeared woozy as he skated to the Calgary bench.

Bettman did not agree with the NHLPA’s defense that a concussion sustained shortly before Wideman hit linesman Don Henderson on a January 27 game against the Nashville Predators led to the collision.

The NHL announced the appeal decision Wednesday.

In it, Bettman dismissed the contention that “Mr. Wideman’s actions were the result of confusion” due to a concussion, the commissioner adding that he was “left with the firm view that a significant suspension is appropriate” and that he was “troubled by Mr. Wideman’s total failure to accept any responsibility for his actions”.

The appeal hearing, which was conducted last Wednesday, reportedly lasted seven hours. “Talking with him, text messages, and it’s been proven time and time again, can be taken out of context”.

“It’s a learning experience for all of us players and it’s something that we’re going to have be cognizant of in the future”. Per Wes Gilbertson, “I know that text message is getting a lot of play”.

“Throughout my career I think I’ve treated every official with the utmost respect and I’d never try to intentionally hit a linesman or ref”, Wideman said. He’s very disappointed, obviously, with the way things have gone.

The suspension is the second-longest in National Hockey League history for abusing an official. “We will appeal to the Neutral Discipline Arbitrator in order to have this decision overturned”.

In his ruling, Bettman revealed that the NHLPA “did not actually request a reduced suspension, maintaining at all times that no suspension is warranted”.

Note: this allows the decision-maker to consider any evidence but it grants zero authority to go out and obtain it – which leaves us in a bit of murky spot.