TORONTO (AP) — Todd Bertuzzi's on-ice attack on Steve Moore might have been ordered by former Vancouver Canucks coach Marc Crawford, according to a report aired on CBC's "The National" Wednesday night.
Bertuzzi grabbed Moore from behind during a 2004 game, punched him on the side of his head and then landed on top of Moore, driving his head into the ice. The bloodied Colorado player was removed on a stretcher.
Moore sustained a broken neck and a concussion. He filed a lawsuit against Bertuzzi, the Canucks and their parent company in Ontario in February 2006.
A statement of claim filed in court by Moore's lawyer and obtained by CBC alleges that Crawford pointed to Moore's name and number on a board in the Canucks' locker room during the second intermission of that game and said "... (Moore) must pay the price."
In an accompanying document, Moore's lawyer claims Crawford's statement was disclosed by Bertuzzi while under oath, and by Canucks general manager Dave Nonis.
I heard about this today on my way home from work on XM204. This is a serious alegation if true. I tend to believe it is true. I believe that Marc Crawford should be suspended from coaching in the National Hockey League for at least one calender year. This is a disgrace to the game and to the Canucks.
I would agree that if this is true Marc needs a stiff punishment, but I would disagree that he should be suspended. If he was still coaching the Canucks this would be appropriate, but why should the LA Kings be punished for this.
ReplyDelete