Bertuzzi Suspension

[Chaerophon]

What I object to is saying that one who didn't participate in "the code" is a "coward". It seems more the other way around to me.

Why wouldn't he participate? He's a hockey player. Everyone else plays by those rules, why shouldn't he? There's no room for pacifists on the ice, it's an inherently violent game, so that excuse goes out the window.

He knew the consequences for his actions, there's no denying that. If he refuses to abide by "the code", there can be only one reason: fear. He's afraid to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions. Definition of a coward. He can show respect for his opponent in one of two ways: don't hit him when he's vulnerable, or take his lumps when they're coming.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not Don Cherry. However, I was never the best, but I was always an honest hockey player who earned a lot of respect taking my lumps, and I like to think that I earned it by playing with honour, the way that the game was meant to be played, Star Jones be damned.