Simon's Point of View

Good stuff today from Chris Simon, in so far as it at least explains some of his motivation to appeal the suspension. Much credit to Roy MacGregor of the Globe and Mail for getting the quotes and writing a compelling article (and to Mirtle and NYisles1 for leading me there.) I can't argue with the idea that other players have committed equally irresponsible and reckless acts on the ice without being so severely punished. There also may be something to the idea that Simon is the sacrificial lamb in the NHL's image campaign. Regardless, Simon is now a lightning rod for punishment. He likely will never be judged on a case by case basis again, a fate which he has earned. The Hollweg incident opened a new chapter in his disciplinary history.

My main contention with an appeal is that it diminishes the perceived acceptance of responsibility for the action. If he is going to be contrite and seek forgiveness, then part of the equation should be to take the penalty as assessed. Otherwise, it sounds like he's saying he's sorry, but not 30 games worth of sorry. Now we have quotes confirming as much. I don't agree that the kick was "...letting him know I'm there...like a shot in the arm." Because Simon does see it that way, it's no surprise that he thinks the suspension is unfair. It's heartening to read that he wasn't trying to cause injury, but he is still responsible for an action that could have caused one.

The strange thing is, outside of lost income, the length of the suspension is actually irrelevant if the Islanders and/or Simon determine that he's not ready to return after 30 games. There's little to be gained in reputation recovery by winning an appeal. And if anyone is worried about the length of this suspension influencing the length of the next suspension, then you really have far greater things to worry about in regard to Simon.

Here's a couple of other things that easily qualify as good stuff...

Another member of the Blog Box comes up with an impressive interview. Here's B.D. Gallof with Dick Pound, chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Jon Jordan takes a fascinating statistical look at the goal drought. Did you know that the Islanders have scored only 40 goals in 18 home games?