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NHLPA ‘extremely disappointed’ Bettman upheld Wideman suspension, will appeal to neutral arbitrator

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The NHLPA has announced they will utilize independent arbitration following the decision to uphold the 20-game suspension. This will be the first time independent arbitration has been utilized under the new CBA.

As most expected, the National Hockey League Players’ Association will appeal NHL commissioner Gary Bettman’s decision to uphold Dennis Wideman’s 20-game ban for hitting linesman Don Henderson.

More, from the union:

“We are extremely disappointed but not surprised that Gary Bettman upheld the decision of his staff to suspend Dennis Wideman for 20 games.

“This decision completely ignores the effects of the concussion that Dennis sustained when he was driven into the boards eight seconds before colliding with the linesman.

“We will appeal to the Neutral Discipline Arbitrator in order to have this decision overturned.”

The Neutral Discipline Arbitrator is James C. Oldham, a law professor at Georgetown University that also worked as a salary arbitrator for Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association.