NHL player hit ref from behind

[Laker]

Could get a 20 game suspension

http://www.businessinsider.com/dennis-wideman-cross-checks-a-referee-2016-1

[MR. CHICKEN]

....OH DEAR.....xeekx............AWK!

[OhioHen]

In post-game interviews, he tried to excuse his action with "I didn't see him until it was too late to avoid contact."

Watching the video, it is clear to me that he "didn't see him until it was too late for my intentional action to do any REAL damage." Wideman clearly lifted and extended his arms to maximize the impact.

[AshevilleApp2]

"Didn't see him", my ass.

[Laker]

In post-game interviews, he tried to excuse his action with "I didn't see him until it was too late to avoid contact."

Watching the video, it is clear to me that he "didn't see him until it was too late for my intentional action to do any REAL damage." Wideman clearly lifted and extended his arms to maximize the impact.

Yep. Generally if I ran into someone accidentally on or off the field of play my first action would be to reach down and help pick them up. I've been hit in various sports- football, basketball, baseball, softball, broomball- and I could tell immediately when someone had not meant to do it by what they did and said right away.

This guy did a cheap shot and then lied about it. I hope that they give him the max.

And what is going on this year with refs? Two high school kids hit a ref from behind in football. A college basketball player trips one on purpose with the score tied. Now this. Everyone gets upset with officials but I never thought about putting my hands on one.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Pretty lame ass excuse.

He'll get suspended for sure. How long will be the question.

[bonarae]

He's suspended indefinitely. Maybe a lifetime is not out of the question yet...