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NHL fines Sharks $100K for Torres suspension critique

dougwilson

The NHL fined the San Jose Sharks organization $100K after GM Doug Wilson called the Raffi Torres suspension “grossly unfair.”

(You can read the full Sharks’ statement here.)

The league explains that the Sharks received an automatic $25K fine for discussing the suspension within a 48-hour window, while the extra $75K stems from the “inappropriate nature of the comments.”

The press release related to the fine points to this rule about “prohibited communications.”

"... In addition to the foregoing, the League also has imposed a prohibition on Club employees and representatives communicating with the Department of Player Safety (or with the Commissioner in the case of an appeal of a decision) in order to attempt to influence its (or his) determination regarding whether or not to impose Supplemental Discipline.

Specifically, such communications are prohibited beginning with warm-up preceding a game, and continuing until forty-eight (48) hours after the later of: (i) the conclusion of such game, or (ii) in the event the Department of Player Safety holds a hearing, within forty-eight (48) hours following a disciplinary decision.

In the event of an appeal to the Commissioner, Club employees and representatives are also prohibited from discussing the merits of the Supplemental Discipline determination that is the subject of the appeal with the Commissioner or the Department of Player Safety until forty eight (48) hours after the Commissioner’s decision.

The foregoing prohibition extends to include formal team statements to the media and press releases issued during such period...”

Considering the games and money lost from the suspension, Torres’ hit on Jarret Stoll ranks as one of the costliest in recent history.

Read this post for the league’s explanation for the series-long suspension.

Related: Sharks will stay silent.