Viewpoint

Anybody can make one mistake. Two--well, OK. Three is getting up there.

Chris Simon shouldn't even have had the opportunity to receive an eighth suspension for gratuitous attacks on opponents. After the fourth or fifth time, he should have been banned for life. If the NHL is to retain any standards at all, it must ban Simon permanently, now. 30 games is a slap on the wrist, given his past record.

At the very least, Simon should receive a 5-year suspension with the caveat that he can only return after successful completion of rigorous counselling.

It appears that the man is criminally insane.

Jon

i saw the replay several times. simon did not try to hurt ruttu, he was fustrated and just sending a message. he made a mistake and now he has to pay. he is paying to much. if he was really trying to hurt him he would have. the problem with the nhl there are too many players like ruttu that write checks that they cannot cash.

He could have harmed someone for life here, I admit I love a good hockey fight but going so far as to possibly end another players career, should be treated very seriously. He should never play again. Ever.

The NHL should expel Chris Simon.

Furthermore, Nassau County authorities should arrest and prosecute him for assault and battery regarding this incident.

Had this taken place outside Nassau Coliseum, Simon would be in a jail cell right now. Just because it took place on the rink inside during a game doesn't mean he shouldn't face prosecution.

If the local District Attorney declines to prosecute him, the voters of Nassau County should toss the D.A. out of office in the next election.

I AM A HOCKEY FAN FIRST, BUT NOT NECESSARILY A BURTUZZI FAN,BUT, MR. MOORE WANTS TO SUE TODD FOR DAMAGES,: I WONDER IF HE SHOULD ALSO SUE THE TEAMATE OF HIS WHO JUMPED ON TODD FROM BEHIND WHICH OBVIOUSLY CAUSED MUCH MORE WIEGHT ON MOORE AS HE FELL TO THE ICE CAUSING HIS DAMAGE.I'VE WATCHED THE REPLAY OVER AND OVER AND IT SEEMS TO ME IF THE TEAMATE DIDN'T JUMP ON TODD THE DAMAGE COULD OR WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS SEVERE.IT LOOKED LIKE TODD WAS PLAYING POLICEMAN AFTER WHAT MOORE DID PRIOR TO TODD'S TEAMATE. I THINK THAT TODD IS BIG ENOUGH AND STORNG ENOUGH THAT HE DOESN'T HAVE TO ACTUALLY SUCKER PUNCH ANYONE.

chris simon is an animal. He is brutal, uncivilized, mean and savage. How many suspensions will it take for the NHL to wake-up and see that this guy should be in some kind of jail, not on the ice.

Once is a mistake, twice is a trend, third time is a habit. What does that make the 8th time?

Come on NHL - time to take this seriously. Get rid of this guy.

Simon should be charged for Assult, Banned from NHL, and its Farm teams. If he wants to play hockey again..ship him over to Europe, if he doesn't end up with Warrents first, with this..

Yes. what Simon did was wrong. However if he was one of the top 20 players would he be dealt with this way, for example Bertuzzi took away a guys livihood and he was allowed to come back and play for team Canada because yes he was one of better players. If they are going to draw the line make it even across the board. I think its joke about Bertuzzi he should have never been allowed in the NHL again.

Poor NHL. What idiots to allow Simon, yet another chance. Forget it. This guys only out to maim other players. What would the league done if he had used his skate on their darling "Sydney"???

He should be kicked out of league for good, and fined a meaningful amount of money... say 90% of his salary over the last 10 years. None of these weak, irrelavant punishments that they are currently giving out means anything to this guy, or players like him. $250,000 fine is laughable. If it were totally up to me, he'd be in jail for a while on top of everything else.

2 teams of eight year-olds have a bench clearing brawl, and everyone is up and arms, and rightly so. "something has to change", the country murmurs.
then a professional hockey player, who is a - quote - "popular guy" performs an 8th socially mal-adjusted attack on a fellow hockey player, says sorry (again), and the only punishment that he has to take is a month and a half off the sport, (~300k$) thereafter returning to his millions of dollars.
What has to change? he must be banished from the sport as an example to other players and more importantly to our youth.
Paul Williams

Wow I really cant believe the comments of some of the posters. Assault with a dealy weapon, holding a skate blade to your throat? Did you actually think before you posted. Sure Simon did something very stupid. Should he be punished, definately, but to what extent. Lifetime ban, rest of the season, 2 weeks....really its not for us to say.

Did anyone ask Simon why he stepped on Ruttu? Was it the typical "heat of the moment" thing? How long was Ruttu out for? I never did see the whole incident so I cant but isnt Ruttu known for his dives and not so nice behavior on the ice. I am in no way condoning what Simon did and I really think he should face some punishment but come on. Can you really say this incident was as bad as the MCsorley/Brashir one of how about some of the head hits this year.

As for some of the other posters saying that if he plays again they will never watch another NHL game or other things, you obviously have never played seriously competative hockey. Just sit back on your big comfy couch and yell and scream and keep living in your fantasy world and hope it all goes well. Sorry if I sound negative but some of you really need to wake up.

8 strikes is a joke! Why don't we make it 9 or 10 or 11?? or maybe keep going until someone get killed? Is that what it will take before the NHL takes things seriously?? But really now....what kind of example are we teaching our children? In school we teach them that bullying in not acceptable right? What was I to tell my daughter when she asked me what will happen to Chris after watching the replay time after time. My daughter has enough sense to know that a bit of fighting is part of the game. But not acceptable off the ice. After watching Chris diliberately stomp (not step) but stomp with all his force on someone foot is like you said reckless and dangerous. What if he would have stomped on his leg with the same force? (Wouldn't he have a nasty gash on his leg! Would the NHL have treated that any differently? I think it's that the NHL pull their heads out of the sand and crack down on recklessness and unsportsman like players. NO MORE chances! I strongly feel the NHL for some reason is in LA-LA land, it's a joke! If someone did that here at work a second time they would be looking for new employment...we all have a job to do.....whether you work in an office or on an ice rink. No one should have to put up with that kind of behavior. The difference is Chris makes alot more money than what we do.....I'd like to see how long he would last working in a factory where he would only make $40G a year. The only help Chris needs is the NHL to cross check him out, once and for all!!

Scott Morrison was much too gentle in his assessment of Chris Simon'sactions re: the stamping incident. Imdefinite suspension? The man has a long track record of brutality,for crying out loud! He's clearly a danger to those playing against him, and you advocate an indefinite suspension! Come on!

Hockey is indeed a rough sport, anybody who plays or watches the game will concede that, but there are limits.

It's time the NHL got rid of these goons.
I think the majority of fans are sick of thses idiots who do not have the skills to play hockey and have to resort to this type of behaviour just to keep their 'job'.

For those of you who keep bringing Bertuzzi into this, you're out to lunch. Sure what he did was wrong, but he admitted to it, served a lengthy suspension for it, and is still paying for it to some degree. Bertuzzi is a skilled hockey player who defended his teammates as he should by trying to send a message to a guy that deserved it. Unfortunately he didn't think it out thoroughly, made a stupid move, and the worst ended up happening. Bertuzzi's intentions with his punch to Steve Moore were not to seriously injure this guy and ruin his career, or to tarnish his own carreer for that matter. On the other hand when you slam a razor-sharp skate blade down on someone's leg, there is no question what your intent is and you really don't belong in sports of any kind.

Simon has been suspended so many times, it has become a rite of winter. Banish hime, and be done with it! As for Bob who wants to boycott watching and attending NHL games - get a life, Bob! It's the game of hockey that we love - not the idiots who abuse it, and are then ushered back in by those who govern it. We have to take the negative that comes with the positive, and hopefully, the negatives will be ironed out. You must care since you made a post - and if you don't, go back to your cave...

Wow, here we go again. Our beloved NHL has always had it's share of flakes, characters, wise-asses, punks & brawlers, it's part of the mystique that centers around the wild & wonderful sport of hockey. Anyone who has ever "laced them up" knows this. We are quick to use the words "code", "crossing the line" and "setteling the score". I can't wait to hear Don Cherry's spin on this, especially the part where Mr.Simon has agreed to visit a shrink to learn to curb his anger. Stay tuned, the next name you will see in the headlines will be that of Steve Downie of the Flyers, an up-and-coming head case. I know the world has changed, but what ever happened to just dropping the mitts & bucket & going at it. Let's drop some of the dumb rules and get back to "old time hockey", where are the Hanson brothers when you need them. Good old Leapin'Lou Fontinato would have taken care of a guy like Simon at training camp and sent him home early. 'nuff said.

Enough is enough. Ban him. He's nothing but a goon. See you later Simon, useless thug who no one will remember after you're gone.

What led up to the incident. The usual yapping from someone protected by the instigator rule. Most likely. Get rid of it and see what happens to players like Ruttu and Avery. Perhaps they will be more focused on playing hockey and shutting there mouths.
When you are constanly provoked sooner or later you are going to make a bad decesion.
Ruttu should get an award for that acting job.
What Chris Simon did was wrong but there is always two sides to the story .

You will all still watch....and you will all still pay....and you will all still comment....nothing changes!This is what the league has been forever......it has never changed.....never will!This is current day society....the game is just a mirror of it!I belive what most people get upset about is the $$$$$ these people are payed to do what they do!Good luck Chris.....I hope you get better soon!!!!
As for all the opinionated "hockey fans" out there.....blah blah blah

Hockey is a violent game. Always has been, always will be. If you don't like it, DON'T WATCH IT!

"Rocket" Richard's tomahawk & the ensuing riot and similar events are not listed below, ONLY legal actions are listed... I didn't have all day to look up and write down every last violent action in the game, I'd be forever if I did.

1905 - Allan Loney is charged with manslaughter in the on-ice clubbing death of Alcide Laurin. Loney claimed self-defence, and was found not guilty. [4]

1907 - Ottawa Senators players Harry Smith, Alf Smith and Charles Spittal were charged with assault after beating Montreal Wanderers players, Hod Stuart, Ernie "Moose" Johnson and Cecil Blatchford with their sticks.

1907 - Ottawa Victorias player Charles Masson is charged with manslaughter after Cornwall player Owen McCourt dies of a head wound sustained in a brawl. Masson is found not guilty on the grounds that there was no way to know which blow had killed McCourt. [5]

1922 - Sprague Cleghorn injured three Ottawa Senators’ players in a brawl, leading Ottawa police to offer to arrest him.

Bottom line - Ruutu may be a pesty player who gets under the skin of alot of guys on the ice but there is no place in the NHL or hockey in general for the actions of Chris Simon. If you want to get even with a guy get him clean - a good open ice hit or a couple swings in a scrimmage. Don't use your skate blade like a 5 year old. Simon needs help and since he is a repeat offender deserves at least 30 games and mandatory anger management counselling. This should also be his last chance - considering the consequences of his actions were minor - if it had of been a more violent situation i would agree he should be gone for good. The safety of the players is important and if you have a guy skating around not knowing if he is going to try to chop your head off with his stick is something we do need in this sport.

I think Simon should never be allowed back in the league. There are many young talented players that can slide into his spot and they should be given a chance. Not some 9 time offender. It is a privelage to play in the NHL at that level and I think it is time to take that privelage away. What about some criminal charges?????? Assault ???? Where do you draw the line?

He would be better of in the WWE, physically and mentally.

This stuff tarnishes the sport.

What a punch of crapola!Hockey is a violent game at this level.So is football.What happens on the ice has been happening since time a memorial.You know Chris was hit from behind into the boards hard and it hurt him.He got up after no call cause it was him and he took matters into his own hands.He lost it and used his stick.Guys like Chris used to know their roles but the NHL is confusing everyone.Mark Messier said he wanted the players to play smart cause he can see they are fast and carefree then suddenly someone cleans their clock and there is no Chris Simon to back them up.We are turning the NHL into a childrens game(all these penalties)and expecting these tough althetes to conform.Get rid of Bettman and save the game.

Mr Morrison,
I agree with you completely,enough is enough. But it is not just Simons, violence is escalating, ie: the Philadelphia Flyers, 3 suspensions for totally brainless acts, the last one Randy Jones on Bergeron, the time of suspension was a joke. The time has come, if you injure a person using wanton violence, then you sit out until the player you injured returns to the game. Also punishment to team coaches & management must be considered.Chris Pronger is another player, that if not brought to task, is going to hurt someone badly.
The media is not clean on this matter either,Al Strachan on the hot stove with you & Ron McLean a couple of weeks ago, made a joke of Philadelphia Flyers being put on notice by the league, Bob McKenzie, following a severe cross check by Chris Pronger on a Vancouver player, who had just scored a goal,stated, oh well, it was just a cross check,a 2 minute penalty was suffice, Pronger skated 15-20 feet after the goal was scored to make the cross check,what!!!,, is McKenzie on crack, the check by Pronger was by a person who had totally lost control of his emotions. Another announcer on the program stated that oh!! Pronger is a bully & can be nasty, no! he is a bully!! & he can be a nutbag, get rid of the Prongers,Simons,Hatchers,Brashears, the Neathrandrels,(hockey players & media persons) & let the real hockey players play hockey.

The NHL simply is no longer what it once was. It's sad actually. But I don't care and couldn't tell you who's doing what. Depending on the teams, I may watch some of the playoffs on TV. They'll never get another dime for a ticket out of me. Thanks Todd, Chris, and all you millionaire losers.

One of the most serious threats to player safety and the cause of a great many injuries is the use of that hard rubber thing called the puck.
I think the game would be much safer if it was played with a tennis ball - and no lifting allowed.

Wow. A player comes out to say something like he did is a step in the right direction, to say the least. We have for so long only heard silence or someone made him do it or it is expected of him. For a man woth his record to come out and say there is something wrong is great. Yeah I know. We in our world of perfection believe that if he can't be up here with us amongst the Gods then get rid of him. Let's forget when we cheered him for what he had done. He is paid well. And his people get their share of meat from him and the rest of the players. Let's ask his employer to do what all employers who are concerned about their employees would do. See what can be done to correct the problem. If it can be corrected then do so, if not then the problem will need to be dealt with. And then the employer is responsible to find out why it happened and to not let it continue to happen. That may mean going down to the beginning. The 6 year olds, and their parents and coaches. That I believe is where it starts to be permitted to happen. If the public does not like what it sees then get real and allow this situation to not happen in the first place, long before these players get to where they presently are. Chris Simon did not learn this behaviour, he was taught it.

(yes I have been to cherry's cottage on the island)
Chances, chances, chances......how many till something serious happens. Steve, kamloops says Simon's not a criminal or phsychotic. Adilio says "bloodsport, eat it up or stay home with mommy'. Did you guys miss the previous stuff from this guy? Get the replays. To say it is partly Ruutu's fault...yeah like the father should get a lighter sentence because the 16 year old wouldn't wear the --- hijab! This guy is dangerous; not only to other players, but to his own team, the league and the game! Sorry, but he is a criminal and should be seen as one. We're experts in Kgtn. Kidding aside. Cut this cancer from the NHL. In any of the other incidents, he could have caused serious injury and in the stick to the neck....who knows? Simon should get help, for sure. To get what he's got fixed, will take a lot of work and a long time. OK, lets look at other players: good idea, but make sure this guy's opportunities are over!!!

He is gone period forever

It would be a shame if he is allowed to play again and finally kills someone or ends their career. Looking at the Hollweg slash(you tube)you'd think he should have been in jail anyway.

Mr. Simon should be gone from the game. The NHL does not need criminal activity by its players on or off the ice. I grew up, like a lot of fans, watching hockey from when you could only listen to it on radio, then on to television. GOOn hockey was awful, and what Mr. Simon did goes beyond that. Good grief, I'd never want my kids to grow up to be like him! I recommend to Mr. Simon that he do the right thing, resign from the game, his hockey skills will never make up for his hockey ills.
The NHL Players Association should step in and say they do not condone what Mr. Simon did on Saturday Night as well.

Chris is our hometown boy. I'm not a hockey fan and don't watch the game, but I do know that Chris is a good guy off the ice.

simon is a nhl icon.boys will be boys.

Chris Simon is guilty. No doubt about it. However, Rutuu is equally guilty. Take out the instigator rule and let the players police themselves. Fighting is what makes "Hockey" unique. As a psychologist and defence analysis, I have studied what interests human beings: sex, wealth, the excitement of gambling and violence. In fact, our society revolves and promotes all of the above. Just look at World History. There is no "just" war.

OK, 8 strikes is a bit too much. But I think this should be the last one. If Simon is really planning on getting help for his anger problems then I think he should try it. But another display of unnecessary violence from this guy should be it. For all those who think that he should have been out long time ago...can you honestly say that he wasn't entertaining before all of this? Some people go downhill but once they decide to make that choice to better themselves, then at least they realize they have a problem. Therefore given the chance they would be able to better themselves. This could actually be a turning point in Simon's career and if it turns out good the Ruutu incident can be a distant memory as well as the Bertuzzi incident. But come on now...people deserve what they get when they get it and if they don't, they surely will....this goes for both sides in each case.

Come on, what's the big deal? We breed these guys in our hockey system. When Simon, Domi or anyone else was in his game beating the s_ _ t out of apponents, we praised guys like this. These young THUGS at an early age are encouraged to make sure they instill fear into their opponents. Until we change our societal views on this violence,a good old fist fight is the act of trying to inflict bodily damage ie: brain damage to your opponents head!Praising these THUGS has seen its' day.
Chris Simon, Bob Probert, Ty Domi, they all have or will have on and off ice problems because of what they really are. Violently bread goons, who made a great living, doing what in general,we put people away in jail for! Go figure , huh?
What a hyopcisy our society is.
Talk to anyone from abroad about where your from and your national sport being Ice Hockey and they all say the same thing, "Oh man thats a violent sport"!
I dated a school teacher of Simon's and she like most people all had the same thing to say about him. "He's a sweet kid and has a heart of gold". Except, when this violently bread goon puts on a pair of hockey skates!
It's sad what we do to these kids. They make s_ _ t loads of money so hopefully they can get some deprogramming therapy after the cheering stops and their careers is over.

Goon like Simon and his antics is exactly why the NHL will never reach the level of financial success MBL, NBA, NFL teams have.

go flames !

If the NHL wants to mainain any credibility at all regarding the role of goons, idiots and general misfits in hockey, it will do what needs to be done for its own sake - tell Simon goodbye. If he tried that stuff on the streets, it would be a much more serious farewell.

8 times, well shame on the NHLPA. It never should have got that far. Simon is reponsible for his actions but by rights the union ought to have recognized what has been going on with Simon awhile ago and made him get help. Other union members are at real risk. I thought the tough guy mantra was about players policing themselves, union brothers ought think of their families and "what-if" the crazy Simon makes an on-ice call. Violence in hockey is a different topic all together but these repeated offences are on a altogether lower level, time to get him out of game before his lack of respect spirals into inflicted paralysis or death.

This is one more reason the NHL and hockey in particular will never be a "major league" sport. Weak management character = weak player character. You will never convince me that the league was unaware of this persons temperment/character (or lack there of).

Colin Campbell and the NHL is the real joke in all of this. They let it get to the point where a professional uses a skate as a weapon. What is next using his stick as a weapon? Oh, no wait! That has already happened too. The NHL needs to get tough.

Tough, strong play is a part of the game in the NHL. This display of idiocy has nothing do with tough play and is an embarrsasment to the NHL.

Many Canadians have played competitive hockey without displaying this lank of respect for their competition.

Too many talented players have not made it to the NHL for supposedly tough players to take their spot in the league due to their size.

The tougher/stronger player is in the NHL to inspire his team' play and protect the team's stars, not to bring down the level of play or injure players with more talent.

While I respect and applaud the way Chris Simon is seeking help, and the way that the Islanders are willing to support him in that, he's already had too many chances. If this were his third suspension and he left voluntarily, maybe, but now? If not for life then he shouldn't play for at least a season or two.

I also agree with many other posters in that it's an epidemic problem with dirty hits and enforcers in the NHL. Hopefully the lengthy suspensions like the Downie one continue this year and MAYBE we'll see some consistency. Also hopefully the good, fast, young players get good enough to outrun these dirty guys.

I agree with most people here. Simon has to go. If this was his first time doing something stupid, then it would be different. But he should not be allowed back in the NHL.

Adilio, hockey is not a blood sport. Nobody (except for you maybe) plays hockey to get injured. If you want to see or do that, why don't you ask a friend to step on your ankle or wrist with a his skate next time you play?

Enough is enough with Chris Simon. He never should have even made it to the the pro's after his attack on Dave Babcock in the OHL. I say the league needs to finally cut its loses with loose cannons like him.

Steve in Ontario:

Do you really think two guys fighting at centre ice is the same as swinging a stick to another player's face, or stomping on their leg with a skate? When two players duke it out, both are willing participants, and yes, there is "intent to injure", but there is also an understanding that once one player is out for the count, the other is not going to kick him in the head - get it? There is a code of conduct.

With Chris Simon, there is no such thing as a code of conduct. He's just out of control.

I believe the slew foot was more dirty than the stepping on the ankle.
I seen the action of stepping on Ruttu's ankle, however it doesn't appear Chris Simon was applying FULL FORCE/Full weight, although the intention of showing serious injury was obvious.

No place for this guy in this elite league

Once is a mistake.
Twice is a mistake.
Three times is an error.
Four times is a mistake.
Five times is an error.
Six times is a mistake.
Seven times is an error.
Eight times is a mistake.
Nine times is a death.

In the real world this is called an assault and people go to jail for such actions. The league is saying this behavior is okay. It's not okay. Semms to me that after the first time anger management would have been a good idea not 8 assaults later. I love hockey I love the fights but this kind of behavior is not tolerated in the UFC mixed martial arts ring, why is it tolerated in the NHL. Does someone have to kill someone before the league wakes up.

Sam from Ottawa: 30 years later, Clarke's most famous linemate doesn't believe his actions belong in the game of hockey.

Messier also "played to win". It's hard to endorse what he did to Gradin (six games), Macoun (ten games), Rich Sutter (six games), Samuelsson (symbolic suspension), Hough (two games), and Strbak (two games) demonstrating mastery of all applications of a hockey stick, plus a blind-side punch and a hit from behind; I guess his elbow work was entirely pro bono. Some of that was hockey, some wasn't. In the modern game, Messier would have earning himself an extra season of relaxation.

There's a grey area, and a not-so-grey area: any premeditated (and uninvited) blow to the head, use of the skate as a weapon, or two-handed hack is goonery, not sport, and should be confined to non-sport mug and thugs, such as the WWF.

If Jarko is a pest, and you have the bones to do it, lay him out the way Stephens laid out Lindros. It was ugly, but at least it was sport.

An indefinite suspension for at least the rest of the season, and the opportunity to apply for reinstatement is exactly right for the situation.

He's a bully, he's sick. Throw him in jail! That'll give him time to think about it.

It was a stupid move, but considering that it was done to an agitator I think some leniency should be shown. If a player levels a Ruutu or an Avery it's OK by me, when players like them are no longer a part of hockey a lot of the other stupidity will be gone as well. The league should penalize these mouth pieces for unsportsmanlike conduct every time they open they speak.

You need to review the medical literature on individuals like Chris Simon who have anger management issues and most probably personality disorders. They can generally not be rehabilitated. Certainly not in 3-6 months! You are naive and uninformed. The emphasis must be to protect society (other players) from this menace! For God sake, banish him forever.

Oh please... Reading these comments you'd think Simon went after his carotid artery with his a razor. Given who the 'victim' was, there was probably a lot of players in the NHL who wish that he had. He stomped on the guys skate - a stupid, dirty play, but hardly dangerous given the bullet proof material skates are made of these days. Ruutu did a good job of selling it and will not miss a game. Nevertheless, Simon does need to get control of his temper and he does deserve a moderate suspension.

Would he get another chance if he injured Sidney Crosby? Then we'd see tough talk and action taken.

Do you really think that after the 8th time with this kind of behavior he deserves one more chance? You are really out to lunch pal. He didn't deserve a 3rd chance, let alone a 9th. Good grief.

Last Saturday, I watched hockey for the first time in almost 15 years. It was fast and furious (thank you Canadiens!) and it would be a shame to revert back to a slow and constantly interrupted game filled with unnecessary bullying and fighting. Mr Simon needs to control his actions and hopefully will be able to contribute to everyone's enjoyment of the game before someone (yet another) hockey player gets seriously hurt, or worse, before kids see that kind of playing as role modelling. I hope he (Simon)and the League can use this as a turning point and a shining example of how this can work!

Enough is enough! Fighting is part of hockey and it is one of the things that make it a unique and intense sport to watch and play. That said, sportsmanship should never be allowed to be tossed out the window. Two guys throwing down the gloves face to face is a far different thing than some jagoff stomping his blade down on an unsuspecting player. That is the definition of a coward with no sense of honour and that should never, ever be tolerated. Kick the douche out and let him deal with real world consequences when he tries to pull this garbage on the street.

I have NOT watched a NHL game on TV nor attended a game since the Betussi incident. This one only serves to confirm that my decision has been correct. I would appreciate it if more people would join me in my boycott of the NHL, and maybe the league would take notice.

What a silly situation. If I was a team owner in the NHL, especially the owner of the Islanders, I'd be concerned about the potential legal liability should Simon ever actually injure someone in the future. I'm not a lawyer, but if there's a case against the Canucks as a result of the Bertuzzi incident, it's no stretch to think Simon and anyone involved in letting him play, will end up in the crosshairs of future legal action.

Simons should be banned.It's not the first time he make a 'mistake'.He's going to leave he NHL as a hatter hockey player or person for that matter.If he was walking down the street and he punched someone because he was mad at them, he'd get arrested,why isn't it different in the NHL I say we have to do something about him (take him out of the NHL) before he ends someone career.We don't wan't a repeat of Steve Moore and Todd Bertuzzi.

Okay, once we are done with this icon of socially sanctioned male violence perhaps we can set our sights on some harm reduction of men who assault and/or murder their soon to be leaving partners? What! There is no relationship???

You bet your bloodied skate blades there is.

Having seen the replay on youtube I agree that Simon's action was unnecessary and should result in a suspension. But for life? Come on now. The action was minor and Ruutu took a soccer dive. I would suspend Simon for two games and as an add on he should sit out as long as Ruutu is out for injury, which I suspect was for about one shift during the game. Tough guys need to be controlled but divers should be disciplined as well.

Chriss Simon and Adilio are bums.

Mr. Morrison,

You are too kind.

Using the "three strikes" philosophy, which is often appropriate, Simon has almost struck out three times.

Imagine the damage he could have done had his blade found a seam, or had come down on a bare arm or hand?

Enough is enough.

I wonder if Mr. Bettman is enjoying the increased attention his sport is getting?

Let Mr. Simon be banished for all time.

His kind of cowardly violence has no place in society, let alone on a hockey rink.

I'm sorry Mr. Simon, but you're display of unnecessary immature behaviour is not suited for the NHL. It's actions as yours that is more suited for "Rassling". There is no excuse for your repeated efforts as designated by 8 suspensions. Sayonara Simon!

Scott, you are probably right about this one, but what gets me is what a bone head move this is for Simon. I think he should be suspended for not having enough grey matter between the ears. Ruttu gets the acting award, and Simon gets the boot. Hockey is looking more like the WWF every week.

Scott, I think youre being a bit lienient on Mr. Simon. I am a fan of his however the level of boneheadedness he displays when doing these acts leaves one to think he should be sent home for good. I believe there must be a level of respect out there and Mr. Simon has proved again and again that he doesnt belong. One more chance is more than generous, if given, he should have to really earn it. p.s Adilio, wake up. you know nothing about the game.

If the NHL makes an example out of Simon it will eventually be forced to admit that many of the infractions carried out on the ice are also worthy of lifetime bans. Its the slippery slope arguement - once you get started you cannot turn back.

Anyone who says Simon should be banned is essentially saying that that the NHL should have no fighting and no body contact.

The point of suspensions is to remind the league where the boundary exists and that a line has been crossed.

Besides, can anyone seriously say they would rather lifetime ban Simon before Sean Avery?

People are comparing Simon to Bertuzzi ... Bertuzzi did something stupid and he was punished for it. He seems to have learned from his mistake. Part of Ruutu's job is to frustrate his opponents. Deal with it Simon, in an appropriate way. Simon has repeatedly shown that he is a violent. He should not only be suspended for the rest of the season, but not be allowed back into the league until he has taken anger management courses and perhaps a hobby to take out his anger in a healthy way, rather than trying to break his opponents limbs or cause them serious injury. He's a danger to the safety of others. If he can't handle being pestered in a non-violent way on the ice, then maybe he shouldn't be playing hockey. People on this board are calling for him to be charged with "assault with a deadly weapon"...which is probably a good idea. Maybe they should have done that the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh time too. People in the system don't get that many chances for lesser crimes, why should a hockey player? Is Simon sorry now? It shouldn't matter, because he's been sorry 7 times before but it never meant anything, clearly. So when's he going to get it? How about when he severs someone's artery and they bleed to death on the ice? This type of thing filters down to the WHL, and this is going to put up and coming young players (16-20 years old) in danger of their careers ending before they start by idiotic guys who think it's ok. They are still impressionable at that age, and how can you expect them to do the right thing and deliver clean hits when the grown men in the NHL whom they aspire to be like can't?

First of all, all of his suspensions have been for petty things. Second of all he's not a crminal. He's not psychotic. I think he does need help. Ship him off to anger managment and once he passes let him back in. And to whoever claimed the Flyers were dirty this year. Nothing was wrong with the Bergeron hit he turned into it. The thing the league really needs to do is penalize the player for putting himself in a vulnerable position. As for the suspension to Hartnell that was a complete joke. Just because he's on his knees doesn't mean you can't hit him.

Based on the other comments I've seen, the readers of this column enjoy grossly over-reacting to every little incident. Obviously, this was a dirty move by Simon, but a glancing blow to the side of a skate simply does not cause the amount of pain demonstrated by Ruutu. It's as if he were a German soccer player rolling around in simulated pain to draw attention to himself. Let's face it, this type of action was the norm in the 6 team NHL. I wonder if the other people contributing comments have actually played the game. Apparently not - maybe they should stick to soccer.

If it was anyone other than Ruutu involved, I would say skid Simon out of the league for good.
But seeing as Ruutu was part of it , despite
Simons ' long rap, I would say give him 15
games . It does look like Simon is seeking
some help. Somehow these super pests have to be
accountable for what they do. Maybe simply
get rid of instigator rule.

Remember Bertuzzi ??

The NHL is terribly inconsistent handing out punishment. THAT is the real problem. A friend of mine suggested a possible formula that I really like: deliberate attempt to injure results in a suspension where the minimum is league discretion but at LEAST AS LONG AS the injured player cannot play! (minumum 10 games, say, but if the injured player cant play for 22 games, neither can the perp.)

By that yardstick Bertuzzi would probably be trying to make a car dealership work right now...

This is a bloodsport you play all out and with an edge or you stay home with mommy.

Simon's actions were definitly dirty and potentially dangerous there is no question about that, and I do believe he should receive a very hefty suspension. On the other hand when something likes this happens everyone points the finger at the culprit which is ok, but it bothers me that no one ever mentions that these guys are often provoked. For example Simon was checked from behind last year by Hollweg before the nasty incident. He receives a suspension which is fair, but Hollweg gets absolutely nothing because Simon didn't get hurt even though he could have seriously been the way he was hit by Hollweg. Same thing with Downie. He gets checked from behind from two or three feet from the boards by Schubert, yet Schubert gets nothing no penalty no suspension nothing for his dangerous hit. Which leads me to Jarko Rutuu. Guys like him and Sean Avery run around and yap because they know that they are protected by the instigator. I say take the instigator out of the game and the loudmouths like Avery and Ruutu will likely be on their way out also. What Simon did was wrong and inexcusable but when you go around and run your mouth and can't back it up, someone is bound to do what Simon did. I hear that Chris Simon is one of the nicest and most charitable guys off the ice and that he may have troubles with substance abuse, which again doesn't excuse his actions, but which brings me back to Ruutu. Guys like that put themselves in these kinds of situations with their mouths so please, shut up and play hockey or somebody take the instigator out of the game!!!

The guy really doesnt deserve to play at all. no class what so ever.

bryan, great point..and getting the word shenanigans into a sentence is super. i find it amazing that no one can defend this guy, normally someone is spewing something for a players defence...but not this time..or not yet..the nhl should hear that..and yes, the time has come to ban a player for good. simon has no become the ultimate cement head and does not deserve the another chance to make a paycheck in the greatest hockey league in the world..that opportunity now goes to someone else who might appreciate it. and i hope simon finds help because i have a feeling there are some serious problems and a possible john kordic tragic ending.

Strike 8 and you're out - or is he? If he were a cat he would have one more pardon but he's not. He is however an animal out of control and it's time to drop the hatchet on this guy. Atleast he admits he needs help and that's the first step - I say gone for the rest of the year, including the playoffs if applicable and get some help. Make him re apply and plead his case next season and see what happens.

Frank G
Elk Valley B.C.

Not to jump on the Dick Pound bandwagon but there have been a few scattered examples of this kind of over-the-top viciousness in recent years (The Bertuzzi incident, for one) and it makes me wonder if there is some kind of steroid-fuelled rage behind incidents like this. It's not normal behaviour, even in the a NHL context. Simon's cross-check incident last year was the same... hyper-aggressive. I wonder...?

It is no secret Chris Simon is under the leagues substance abuse program. he like many other tough guys battle demons every night on the ice, most hate their role they play, but do it for the money and their reputations. A very high percent of these types of players have alcohol problems. To my knowledge Chris is alcohol free for years, but it doesn't stop the anger building inside. To be sure he need treatment, and needs to come to terms with all the issues that make him so angy while on the ice. At this point he needs to forget his career and focus on getting better.

If the NHL were the real world, Chris Simon would have been fired a long time ago, even with the benefit of "progressive discipline", with verbal, then written warnings, suspension, and finally termination.

However, the NHL is NOT the real world. To essentially suspend Simon for life prevents him not only from playing in the NHL, but is also honoured by other leagues as well. It's as if a gas station attendant is fired from one station, and cannot work at others, even for less money.

I'm not saying Simon should be let off easy, but these comparisons with the types of employment most of us readers have is thin at best.

Professional hockey creates its own monsters, then is at a loss on how to deal with them. I'm sure a young Simon was not called upon to concentrate on his studies so that he has more non-hockey options, and no doubt many coaches along the way have encouraged his playing both on, and beyond, the "edge". While Simon has made more money than most of us will ever see, it's still a double-edged sword. Would it be right for the League to walk away. and let Simon deal with his own mess? It's time for the NHL to yes, hold him accountable, but at the same time, help him get his life on track.

Its time to walk the talk and suspend him for life, too many incidents and he has repeatedly shown that he cannot or will not control himself. Giving him another chance only means that he will hurt someone again, maybe end a career. There are plenty of godd aspiring young hockey players out there that can easily step into his role and do amuch better job. Thats not to say that Chris is an animal, I'm sure he has many good qualities and maybe could find a rewarding career in some other role in hockey. Please don't let him return to the ice as a player. He can't be trusted.

Violence in hockey??!?!??

To much grandfathering, as in its "hockey" it's alright. I don't watch hockey anymore, my taste for the sport has gone longtime ago!
The commisioner has been too long on the rudder, Don Cherry is still the old brute from way back...no pain no gain.
Just watch the behaviour of the kid and there parents while on ice. The fun of clean is gone.
viva le brute!

Violence in hockey??!?!??

To much grandfathering, as in its "hockey" it's alright. I don't watch hockey anymore, my taste for the sport has gone longtime ago!
The commisioner has been too long on the rudder, Don Cherry is still the old brute from way back...no pain no gain.
Just watch the behaviour of the kid and there parents while on ice. The fun of clean is gone.
viva le brute!

Simon should be suspended not only for the rest of this season but the next season as well. Simon; a repeat offender, proves that suspensions do not work for him. It also suggests that suspensions in general just do not work. How many chances does a player deserve? If the league does not suspend him indefinatly it just shows that the NHL can not control its players and is a bigger joke than the XFL ever was. It is time to treat the players as adults not children!

Simon apparently needs help. He should be suspended indefinitely and the onus should be upon him to completely prove his ability to come back. The fact that the NHL has seemingly gone soft on his prior antics is not something that he needs to be held responsible for. They must carry the reponsibility (and consequences) for their own decisions. I agree, though that this should clearly be the last time something like this is allowed to happen.

How any clear thinking person can condone this type of action on the part of a supposed sports"man" is beyond comprehension. Of course he should go to the martial arts arena where he can become more "manly" and learn a lot about respect, control and self-discipline that is barely needed in so called professional "sports" as it appears today!

sorry chris but banned, banned, banned, banned, banned, charged charged charged with assault with a deadly weapon, how would you feel chris if someone held a skate blade to your neck, who is running this league anyways, john slocan bc

Hello. Can you please forward this to Scott Morrison? Thank you. Hi Scott. I was wondering if you could write a story with your opinion on the whole Rob Ramage saga. Seeing as though his sentencing is January 17th, it could be a good time for a little debate. Recently, I read that Magnuson's family wants Ramage to be spared prison. First of all, I think it's pretty convenient they offer leniency after they received an $8 million dollar settlement from the car rental company Ramage drove the night Magnuson died. Second, I think Ramage should NOT be spared prison for a few reasons; the most important one being that Ramage actually pleaded not guilty, is that not correct? So he has NEVER taken responsibility for killing someone while drunk behind the wheel. Also, what kind of message does this send to people, especially right now during the holidays, where you could get off scott free if you murder someone? Feel free to use everything I wrote here for your article, if you so wish to write one. You are the best writer Scott. I love everything you write because you are smart, to the point, precise, fair and entertaining. Good day to you sir.

Clearly Simon has not learned from the seven prior reprimands. Now it's time for the NHL to perhaps suspend him for an entire season.
Maybe six months of no paychecks will cool his hothead.

Some things should not be tolerated on the ice during a hockey game. It's about time that deliberately attempting to injure should not be allowed in the game. Some people enjoy watching the odd fight and a solid body check, but other aspects of the game have been degenerating for quite some time now. It's too bad for hockey in general. Good offensive hockey is what the majority of fans like to see

This is the classical example of the repeat offender, empowered by the lack of spine by those in control. Too much emphasis is placed on the offender and his potential to be rehabilitated. NOT. Sure, get this guy the help he needs, but not at the expense of another player whose future is in jeopardy because the NHL did not act responsibly.

I don't know what all the fuss is about, you would think he broke someones neck or something!

I this piece of excrement plays another game in the NHL I will have watched my last NHL game Mr. Campbell and Mr. Bettman!

What a shame because hockey is a great game.

We're all sick of reading about meaningless fines and suspensions for these incidents.

With Mr. Simon's lastest assault and the ridiculous way the league tolerated the Philadelphiha Flyers organization for their outrageous conduct this year, someone, somewhere is going to step in and call this behaviour for what it really is: assault. And when they do they'll take action.

All it takes is one Attorney General to enforce the law and lest we think it's far fetched check out Eliot Spitzer. He made a career out of prosecuting supposedly untouchable financial corporations and now he's Governor of New York.

I hope the days of the NHL hiding this conduct as 'part of the game' are over. We're sick of the double standard.

Simon wouldn't have to resort to these actions if agitators like Jarrko Ruutu were accountable for their dirty play. If they get rid of the instigator rule the players can police themselves.
It was wrong for Simon to step on Ruutu no question. However, he deserves another chance as much as anyone else.
Look at Bertuzzi. Why did he deserve another chance for almost crippling another player? Because he is a so called "skill" player?

If ever there were incidents where the NHL and NHLPA should enforce a zero tolerance policy regarding reckless and dangerous conduct by a player, it should be this one. Zero tolerance should mean revoking the player's right to play, period. In an era where the NHL is desperately trying to brand a positive and exciting image for itself, it's a wonder they've not invited Chris Simon to play elsewhere, say the AHL, a European league or elsewhere. Shame on the NHL for not having acted accordingly after Simon's 2-handed swing on Ryan Hollweg last season.

I think he should be kicked out of the league permanently. This sort of nonsense deoesn't belong in hockey.

I don't think the league is taking this sort of thing seriously enough. Would they dare to give Chris Pronger a lengthy suspension?

Somehow I doubt it. Look at what he did last year, crushed one Red Wings player's head into the boards then a week or 2 later, elbows a Senators forward in the head. He got 1 game each, what a joke.

I don't think Simon should be allowed back in the league because with this last act he's done something to another player completely outside the game of hockey. A high-sticking infraction can sometimes (but not always) be considered "in the heat of the moment" because players routinely poke/prod/shove each other with their sticks in an often completely legitimate manner, and when one player gets his stick up on another at least there’s the “it was an accident” or “I wasn’t thinking” defence. Stomping on another player though? At what point in a game is there ever a call for stomping anything? “Sorry ref, I’d just blocked a shot and was trying to stomp my shin pad back into place, I swear I didn’t see Jarkko’s leg there”. No, I think Chris Simon’s latest act was a deliberate attempt to cripple another player, as far as I’m concerned he’s officially crossed the line from tough guy playing a role for his team to sociopath who doesn’t understand the concept of “other people”.

Simon wouldn't have to resort to these actions if agitators like Jarrko Ruutu were accountable for their dirty play. If they get rid of the instigator rule the players can police themselves.
It was wrong for Simon to step on Ruutu no question. However, he deserves another chance as much as anyone else.
Look at Bertuzzi. Why did he deserve another chance for almost crippling another player? Because he is a so called "skill" player?

You have got to be kidding me!! Yet another Neanderthal hockey player that the "team" is going to rally around and support, giving the OK to his "bully behaviour". With the likes of him and Todd Bertuzzi,who's team mates should have had the guts to bar from their locker room, it's no wonder that 8 year olds are fighting on the rink. As if paying grown men millions of dollars for playing a game, and that's all it is, wasn't bad enough, there is all this shamefull behaviour as well.........some national sport.

I think Simon should get the Lady Byng one day. Come on, give him a break.

I guess all of you crying for stricter rules would also agree players like Mark Messier and his killer elbows (6 match penalties for concussions dished out), or Brian Marchment (Knees) would not have been in the league but for a few short years. Why not take Tie Domi and ban him for his antics. Bobby Clarke? Bottom line is you are all considering getting rid of him because he plays in long island, and he is not on your beloved team.

Are you kidding.They are saying that he might come back. Haul his ass into the league offices and give him his walking papers FOREVER. He is the poster boy for goons.

I have followed hockey for over 35 years now and continue while in Mexico VIA satelite. People like Chris Simon's does not deserve anymore chances. This season has been one of the worst in history for violent acts against other players and the league needs to cool it down before we have to say good bye to someone from the ice. Simon's days of contributing are over and he know this.That is why his behavour has gotten so out of control. It is just like a child after they find out they are not number 1.

Banned for life - now. Will it take an on-ice death before the league gets serious about discipline?

8... time!!! this is stupid behavior.
He doesn't need time and assistance, he needs assistance and assistance and quickly.

I think its pretty obvious what should happen to Chris Simon. Just read the posts prior to mine. For those of us keeping score, its: Lifetime ban 10 - Another Chance 0. And that's out of 13 posts!

The sensible people WITH compassion for Chris Simon's situation think he shouldn't be reinstated until he has proven that he CAN and HAS been rehabilitated.

Here's the main issue people should be focusing on. Chris Simon has REPEATEDLY assaulted other players. Chris Simon has REPEATEDLY tried (unsuccessfully, thus far) to injure other players.

Here are the arguments against this.

...

So here we are. What can be said that isn't already clear to everyone who knows at least nothing at all about hockey?

Ban Chris Simon. Ban him for good. Maybe, and just maybe, to be kind, consider AT MOST writing a letter of recommendation to the WWE. Maybe. I wouldn't.

Simon has injured players with weapons(sticks and skates) yet Todd Bertuzzi punched Steve Moore and due to the severity of Moore's injury, he is the "all time" villian of the NHL. People say it was a sucker punch, but Tie Domi's sucker job on Ulf Samuellson was far worse. Funny we measure the crime based on the outcome instead of the intent. Simon will play again and to me that is a true crime and the NHL is supporting the criminal.

Scott have you been on the receiving end of one of Simon's punches? It sounds like you've gone soft in the head....seven times he's been in trouble and you want to give him yet another chance! My god man wake up to reality, the guy should have been tossed long ago.

Chris Simon has crossed the line here, and has done so on other occasions as well and deserves severe penalty for his actions. But let's be honest about the NHL's disipline record, if you are a name player you get special consideraton. For example, Chris Pronger's blow to Dean McCammon's head in the final last June. Coming shortly after a vicious blow to Holmstrom of Detroit's head in the previous series... I think he recieved one or two games. If he does this again will people be saying "kick him out of the league"?

Ok fair enough....but if Bertuzzi is still playing I don't think Simon should set the precedent for lifetime suspension.

Do NOT blame Chris Simon, blame the NHL. In essence this is a league managed by ex-NHL players who can not separate themselves from the game. Think about it, what other professional sports league allows fighting as part of the game, with the lame excuse that it is better than retaliation with a stick? How ridiculous does that staement sound? Simon is a product of this league.

Use the NFL as an example. An extremely physical disciplined game, where the players respect each other. The ones that don't, or don't respect the league and its officials, are dealt with harshly. No suspension with pay.

8 times, that is an insult and a joke.

Everyone deserves a second chance. Even Chris Simon.

one more chance... what's the point? eventually, at some point certain individuals stop getting invited to the party. in my opinion, chris simon has broken the lamp, burned the sofa, tortured the cat and thrown up on the grand dad's antique pool table.

it's a big problem in todays work force. too many people get to keep their jobs, even when they're terrible at it or the time for them to move on has more than arrived.

Take it easy on Simon fella's. How about everybody else gets to pack heat as is their 2nd amendament right in the untied snakes. I bet even Don Ron says it beats four on four for excitment.

Stomping on someone with a skate is one of the dumbest and most potentially harmful things a hockey player can do. He needs to be removed from the ice before he causes more serious and/or permanent harm to someone. He has used and abused his chances. The NHL needs to distance themselves from this character.

The league should have the 3 strikes your out rule. Will we have to wait for him to take out a million dollar a year player before the league acknowledges it's responsibility to the other players & team owners? The league keeps stating it is getting tough on these types of antics but talk is cheap. Action speaks louder than words. The younger kids don't need role modes like that. Once the league takes a stand and sticks to it, then the up and coming players will know that this is not the way to make it to the big leagues and hopefully adjust their playing styles before they get there. Or will it take him killing someone on the ice before the league &/or the owner's take this seriously. Only time will tell.

I think all of the emails above let you know what the fans think. However, Gary Bettman has proven he has no interest in what the fans have to say or what is morally and ethically proper (it is his league after all not ours right!).

Ban Simon - seven times is enough. He should never, ever set foot on an NHL rink again!!!!!

The next time he might just kill someone and what's that going to do in a league that can barely keep its head above water in teh US markets.

Does this remind anyone of Roid Rage. Has Simon been tested unannounced for steroids?

Let's call it what it is ... 'Assault with a deadly weapon' and charge him accordingly. He should be worried about jail time not hockey suspensions

To Andrew Mckay:
Yeah... cuz beating someone up has taught him so much so far.
Simon is (primarily) an enforcer (forget his one 20 goal season) and when he is unable to do his job by dropping th gloves, he resorts to other measures (remember McSorley's embarrassing exit when we realized he was geting too old to take on the other big boys).

Mr. Mckay - what do you do when you realize you can't give him a world of pain, resort to other means? You aren't a solution; you're an extension to the problem.

Get Simon support tell his coaches what that his role is over and get him out of hockey for his own safety and the safety of others.

No more chances for Simon.

We forget that this league is for the fans, not the players and fans don't want to see Simonesque behavior on the ice, period.

Go Canucks!

Ban him permanently, period!

Bettman better kick Simon out of the league. He's had several opportunities to redeem himself, and obviously isn't smart enough to learn from his mistakes. Who knows what Simon will do next. After Simon is booted, then hopefully someone kicks Bettman out.

w w w . F i r e B e t t m a n . c o m

one more chance... what's the point? eventually, certain indivuals have to be no longer invited to the party. in my opinion, chris simon has broken the lamp, burned the sofa, tortured the cat and thrown up on the pool table. good luck in the future though, chris. i hope it all works out ok.

Mr Simon's methods of stickwork and footstomps are not acceptable. He should have used his assets. Oh right...these agitators instigate and then run behind the officials. Hmmm, 'Superpest' Ryan Hollweg now has less PMs than games played for the first time in his career including juniors. Perhaps Mr Simon taught him some manners.

The latest incident caused by the conduct of Chris Simon should be dealt with in the same context as when Mark McSorley clubbed Donald Brashear. That was the end of Mark's career, so that is how Chris Simon should exit the game.

It's not okay in any league of play to deliberately try to injure another player so the best alternative is to hang them up Chris. You've gotten enough out of the game to sit back and reflect on the good points in your career!! Leave while you have the respect-not having to be forced out of the game with a legacy of being an arrogance to the game.

While I understand the call for a life sentence, that will cause more harm than good. there is no question that his actions were inappropriate, largely unprovoked, and deserves a sizable suspension. However, he will be officially warned before sever action such as a life ban is taken - that is unprecedented especially given the actual action of this infraction. More importantly, this is an individual who has identified himself with hockey his entire life and to tell him that it is the end of his playing days will not accomplish what we all hope and that is the rehabilitation of Chris Simon.

Chris made a mistake but he deserves to be back this year!

So many times I see the words "Intent to injure" when ever the moral cockals raise on arm chair hockey fans. I put this to you, when two men face off at center ice and start swinging fists at each other, are the just pretending? Are you telling me they do not really mean to hit each other? When ones fist lands into the face of another I would think you did that for one reason. To injure said person. Correct me if I am wrong.

It seems the ‘Canadian Way’ is to continually delve out chance after chance to offenders, be it criminal or otherwise – these authoritive and judicial bodies are just too complex and liberal in order to stand up and say ‘No, I will no longer tolerate this’. The NHL is a corporation, to risk expelling one of their own is a risk in their very profit margin – the consequences of their actions might affect ticket sales. Meanwhile it’s business as usual – let time and distance deal with the situation, eventually we will stop talking about it, because there’s always something else worse on the horizon.

And why is that? Because TOLERATION is a form of CONSENT. We’ve managed, spread, dissipated and dispersed ‘risk’ so well in this society that now everything can successfully fall through the cracks. You never run out of chances in such a model.

Chris Simon should simply state 'I shouldn't be playing anymore'.

He's got a problem; we should give him time to resolve his issues??? This is the kind of thinking that allows repeat sex offenders to waltz their way back into public only to do it again! He's had his chance and he's failed to learn. It’s time to make sure he doesn’t end someone's career. Not only is NHL discipline an absolute joke, but we as viewers and hockey enthusiasts seem to have become brainwashed by the “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em camp and have missed the punch line. “NEW” NHL?? What’s so new about calling obstruction, hooking, hits to the head? This is how the game used to be played. We’re finally on the road to getting back to the way the game should be played, but if we keep going soft on shenanigans like this it’s going to take a long time before we get there.

Keep him in the NHL.

Better to let him take out his anger against big healthy hockey players than his wife and children or anyone else that is unfortunate to cross his path.

Imagine what he can do to someone half his size. It scares me to think about it.

This latest transgression with the attendant apology (not to the player but to "the people involved") is the latest in a long series of aggressive, inappropriate and malodorous actions by Chris Simon.
Time we left the game Chris. Sayonara to you, your lame duck apologies and inappropriate and borderline psychotic on-ice antics. Chris Simon will not be missed by the fans. And if the kiss-off from upper management wasn't enough to convince you that your time has come and gone Mr. Simon... then let's hope that the penalty assessed by Colie Campbell will fit the crimes both past and present.
I think it's time to say.. eight strikes and out.
Bye Chris.
Enjoy the golf.
The fans have had enough.
And you're done.

Yes Chris Simon has run out of chances, the league should kick him out. It seems to me though this behavour has become common place, lets not forget the NHL has a guy playing who stalked, caught, and sucker punched Steve Moore from behind. Now Steve Moore has not played a game since, yet Bertuzzi is continuing his career like nothings happened. My personnel opinion the leauge should bring in a rule TIME for TIME plus. As long as the victim is out, so should the offender be out equally until there is a strong deterent this kind of hooliganism won't stop

"...Simon, who has generally been well liked and respected around the league..."
People, people. He is well liked. By his peers - the people he plays against. Why is he well liked? Because he is an honorable, honest warrior.

The same can not be said for Ruutu, or Hollweg - it was their dirty antics that caused him to snap.

If you ban this guy for life, then you gotta ban Bertuzzi for two lifetimes.
The things NHLrs get away with would land you and I in jail.
Blame the league.

I feel very strongly that any violation involving a stick swinging incident should be treated as 'a deadly weapon'. I had never considered that someone would use a razor sharp blade to stomp on someone's leg. Look what happened to Kevin Bieksa of the Canucks! Recall he had a blade severe the calf muscle recently by accident when tangled up with another player. If Simon's blade came down just a few inches up the leg of Ruttuu it would have led to simlar damage.

Goodbye Mr Simon, help or not, you should never play in the NHL again.

He's a bonehead. I invite him to play shinny with me and I'll show him how to get suspended. This guy is a joke! I'm dropping him in my pool and picking up Crosby!!!!
Fo shizzle!

Eight times. I think he has enough "one last chance" Time for the NHL to say goodbye to Chris Simon. Like he said in the article, he needs help and he has had a long career in the NHL. Adios amigo.

it all stems from the instigator rule. guys like ruutu, holweg, tootoo etcetera get away with a lot of crap. enforcers get frustrated too. simon is only human. it's easy to judge while we watch on tv. we don't know what really happens down on the ice. simon's career is pretty much over anyway. similar to mcsorley. at least he didn't go for the throat.

Chris Simon is not mentally stable to be playing in the NHL. He needs professional help. In my work place if I did one of those acts I would be terminated.

Simon's clearly not learned any lesson from his SEVEN priors other than that he can get away with little other than a slap on the hands. Many of his offences should have had legal consequences because of their recklessness, but for various reasons he has escaped being held accountable to the law. Let the NHL finally put its money where its mouth is and ban this guy for life. They've tried suspensions--they don't work. Set a tougher example and give him the boot.

I'm afraid its too late for Simon. Its time the NHL hands out its first lifetime suspension to send the message loud & clear. This is the only action that should be taken. He's had his chances & who knows what he would do the next time around. Even with professional help it seems that we always treat professional athletes with slaps on the wrist...this guy doesn't belong in the league..end of story.

Whoa, wait just a minute. Let's bring this back to reality. Suppose here I am in my office which I share with my good buddy John. One day I reach around and slam John in the back of the head with my laptop. I'm out for a week. When I get back, I pour a cup of steaming hot coffee over the poor guy's head. Gone for a month this time. I get to do this 8 times before I finally get tossed for good?

Sure, hockey's different. Slam some guy into the boards, take off the gloves at centre ice and go at it - it's all good. But intent to injure doesn't deserve a second chance, let alone an 8th chance.

Isn't it about time this clown was permanently suspended from the NHL? Apparently he just doesn't get it.

How tough is a guy who steps on people when their down? He needs couselling and I'm the one to give it to him! I'll show him a world of hurt!!!

No one should be able to convince any self respecting hockey fan that this player is needed by any team in the league. 30 point character players are a plentiful in the AHL. Give one a chance who at least shows a miniscule amount of regard for for his union brother's safety and send this moron packing. Good on the Islanders organization for taking a proactive step by pseudo-suspending him.

Why is it that he should have 1 more chance? What does he bring to the game that NHL fans want to see again? I understand that he may have serious emotional issues, but is it going to take somebody getting a career ending injury before Simon is banned? I like tough hockey, and applaud a good hit or fight, but Simon's antics are beyond what should be deemed as acceptable behaviour in hockey, whether he serves a lenghty suspension or not. Its a matter of respect for each player on the ice; if someone wants to be a tough guy, they should go about it in the accepted manner, and leave the bush league antics in the bush.

I vehemently disagree that a player like Simon should be given another chance. He is an angry and aggressive goon who should be expelled from the league with no further discussion. In addition, he should be forced to take anger management courses so he doesn't have these pseudo-psychotic tendencies in day to day life. His actions have not been simply dirty, they display a pattern of behavior that would warrant his arrest and imprisonment had he done them off the ice. What will it take the NHL to realize this? I don't care if he is well liked around the league. He is unstable and unsuitable for professional sports altogether.

Why should he be given one last chance? Anyone else in any other profession would have been gone long ago and would now have a lengthy criminal record.

One last chance or roll the dice till he kills someone or slices off a leg. Help first, options later. No Deals...

Simon should be banned! Hockey is a game of strategy and sportsmanship and not a wrestling or boxing match. As a hockey fan, I think that the NHL should have no tolerance for this kind of behaviour. This is also sending a message to our young people that violence in sports is acceptable. When has it ever been acceptable, in anything, to cause physical harm to a person? This should also reflect badly on the NHL. Too many times has this happened now, and the NHL needs to standup and say enough is enough, and harshly; none of this simple wrist slapping and forgetting. If they don't get rid of him now, next time, it might be too late. Remember the Todd Bertuzi incident? Someone on the Islander's opponent team is going to end-up like Steve Moore. I want to know why the NHL is so useless when it comes to permanently suspending players when the obviously need suspending. Especially when someone like Simon has a record!

He's got a problem; we should give him time to resolve his issues??? This is the kind of thinking that allows repeat sex offenders to waltz their way back into public only to do it again! He's had his chance and he's failed to learn. It’s time to make sure he doesn’t end someone's career. Not only is NHL discipline an absolute joke, but we as viewers and hockey enthusiasts seem to have become brainwashed by the “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em camp and have missed the punch line. “NEW” NHL?? What’s so new about calling obstruction, hooking, hits to the head? This is how the game used to be played. We’re finally on the road to getting back to the way the game should be played, but if we keep going soft on shenanigans like this it’s going to take a long time before we get there.

Chris Simon has had enough chances. If the league is supposedly getting tough on repeat offenders then he should never play in the NHL again.