Bertuzzi Punishment too Short.

You could not escape it. The evidence of hockey hooliganry was pasted all over the media. This was an evident so barbaric that not just sports media outlets were showing the video but even national media could not ignore the atrocity. What I am talking about is the Todd Bertuzzi attack from behind on Steve Moore.

The nastiness and lack of human decency shown by the attacker required the NHL to come down, and come down hard on the offender. The indefinite suspension allowed Bertuzzi and the rest of us to wonder, How long will it go? While it appeared that the NHL was finally reacting to the violence in the game, it was all just an act. 20 games is all Bertuzzi will sit out. Steve Moore is still recovering from the injury. He may never play again. Todd, the ice is waiting for you. The fans of Vancouver will welcome you back.

Ron Artest was suspended for the rest of the season after the Brawl in Detroit. Shouldn't Bertuzzi's suspension at least match Artest's? Artest crossed a line by attacking fans. Bertuzzi intentionally hurt someone and broke their neck. Should Bertuzzi's suspension really be the same length as that of Kenny Roger's pre-arbitration shortnened suspension of 20 games for attacking a photographer.

People pay to see atheletes compete that are at the peak in their sport. No one pays to see someone get killed. It won't be until there is a death on the ice that the NHL will finally toughen up on the Bertuzzi's in the game.

Could it be Bertuzzi's star status helped hasten his return to the ice? There has always been a perception that the higher paid players can get away with a little bit more. It's a shame.