Gary Bettman and the NHL announce unprecedented sanction for William Nylander
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
We finally have an announcement from the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has just been handed a rare sanction by the NHL.
He received a sanction because of a gesture he made toward the camera while he wasn't even in uniform. Incredible!
Sanction announced by Gary Bettman and the NHL for forward William Nylander
See the official announcement:
"Toronto's William Nylander has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for making an inappropriate gesture while in the press box during NHL Game No.819."
- NHL Department of Player Safety
- NHL Department of Player Safety
The Department of Player Safety wasted no time in acting against the Toronto Maple Leafs star.
The incident occurred during a regular-season game while William Nylander was not on the ice. Nylander was caught red-handed making a gesture deemed inappropriate from the press box.
The $5,000 amount represents the maximum allowed under the current collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players.
It's a distraction the Maple Leafs could have done without as the battle for the top of the standings heats up.
Toronto Maple Leafs' William Nylander gets a slap on the wrist
Toronto fans are stunned to see a team leader act with such poor judgment in public.
The 29-year-old player, drafted 8th overall in 2014, is usually known for his calm demeanor.
His productive season on the ice is now marred by this lapse in judgment that is making the rounds online.
The captain and head coach will likely need to have a serious conversation with the forward to restore order in the locker room.
It's still unclear what triggered such a reaction from the star player toward the media or spectators.
The NHL no longer tolerates any behavior of this kind, especially when it comes from suites or restricted areas.
This fine will serve as a warning to all players in the league who might forget they are always under observation.
George Parros released a statement on Nylander's fine:
"The gesture was shown live on-air during the game broadcast. This serves as a reminder the code of conduct governing Players extends throughout the arena at NHL games and in public game situations."
- George Parros
- George Parros
Nylander will now need to refocus on his game and put this story behind him as soon as his next matchup.
The league has sent a clear message: no one is above basic standards of conduct.
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JANVIER 26|1451 ANSWERS Gary Bettman and the NHL announce unprecedented sanction for William Nylander Do you think it's the right decision by the NHL regarding William Nylander? | ||
| Yes | 1187 | 81.8 % |
| No | 264 | 18.2 % |
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