Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman will serve all 20 games of his suspension for cross-checking linesman Don Henderson, according to Sportsnet.
The suspension stems from a Jan. 27 game in which Wideman crosschecked Henderson from behind. Wideman was suspended indefinitetly following the game, while Henderson was sent to hospital for precautionary reasons. An appeal hearing between Wideman and the league took place on Feb. 10, however NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced in a written statement on Wednesday, that the league would uphold Wideman's suspension.
Wideman, a 12-year NHL veteran, issued an apology for hitting Henderson.
"Throughout my career I think I've treated every official with the utmost respect and I'd never try to intentionally hit a linesman or ref," Wideman said according to Sportsnet.
However, Bettman said he feels any apology Wideman made "rings hollow," and cited a text message that was sent by Wideman to another Flames teammate on Feb. 2.
"(t)he only problem and the only reason I'm here is cause the stupid refs and stupid media," Wideman's text said, according to The Score. The NHL was able to obtain the text messages through a subpoena and it ultimately is what cost Wideman 20 games.
Wideman will be the first player to exercise the option to file for independent arbitration and further appeal the suspension, according to Bob McKenzie.
Henderson has not officiated a game since Jan. 27 and has no timeline to return. Wideman will forfeit $564,516.13 in salary to the NHLPA's Emergency Assistance Fund for violating rule 40 (hitting an official).
Wideman has served seven games of his suspension so far, and will be eligible to return to action for the Flames on March 14 against St. Louis.
Because this is an arbitration hearing -- basically a private court -- neither side can say no to this kind of a request (more)...
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 18, 2016
Provided information isn't privileged, both sides have to provide written communications from witnesses. — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 18, 2016
So, if someone wanted Don Henderson's texts messages, they had to be turned over, as well. And they were. That's the explanation.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 18, 2016
