League Mum On Latest Simon Incident While Contemplating Punishment
Posted December 18, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
On Saturday Chris Simon shocked the hockey world yet again by stomping on Pittsburgh’s Jarkko Ruutu.
On Monday he stepped away from his New York Islanders club, saying he needed time away from hockey.
And on Tuesday he met with NHL officials including league disciplinarian Colin Campbell in Toronto, all of whom were tight-lipped about the sit down, but promise to dole out Simon’s seventh NHL suspension soon enough.
Simon missed the first five games of this season while completing a 25-game ban — his sixth NHL suspension for a vicious two-handed slash to the face Ryan Hollweg last season.
The notoriously gritty forward may be nearing his last day with the Isles, or even possibly the NHL, but as of yet nobody is expressing anything other than disapproval regarding his actions.
“The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for,” team owner Charles Wang said. “They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart.”
Simon’s leave of absence was agreed upon by Wang, general manager Garth Snow and coach Ted Nolan during practice Monday. All feel the 35-year-old left winger should seek help.
“We discussed the measures we have to take,” Nolan said. “Chris is very remorseful and very sorry for his actions. As an organization, we don’t condone it. We don’t appreciate the thing he did. On the flip side, we have to have some compassion, some understanding and some support.”
Simon only spoke in a statement, expressing frustration with himself and a desire to take the suggested time away.
“There is no excuse for my actions … and I apologize to everyone involved,” he said in a statement. “The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team.
“I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I’m proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game.”
