NHL suspends Leafs' Bell for 15 games

Habsfan84 · 09-12-2007, 04:41 PM

Toronto Maple Leafs' Mark Bell was suspended without pay for 15 regular-season games by the NHL on Wednesday.
The suspension stems from a driving under the influence of alcohol incident in California on September 1st, 2006. Bell will serve six months in county jail at the end of the season as a result. The 27-year-old was with the San Jose Sharks at the time.
"Playing in the National Hockey League is a privilege, and with that privilege comes a corresponding responsibility for exemplary conduct off the ice as well as on it," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
"However, over the past year, Mark has made extraordinary strides in his rehabilitation," added Bettman. "This positive progress was a material factor in reducing what could have been a lengthier suspension." In August, Bell pleaded no contest to drunk driving and hit and run charges. He has been put into stage two of the NHL's substance abuse program.

In order to be reinstated to active status, Bell will require the recommendation of the doctors who administer his care under the joint Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program of the NHL and NHLPA. The suspension will begin once he has been reinstated.
"The NHL supports Mark's commitment to learning from his past mistakes and his efforts to move his life forward in a positive direction," said Bettman.
Bell will be allowed to practice and train with the team during the suspension.

GLG · 09-13-2007, 09:00 AM

A slap on the wrist. Pays to be popular.

You or I would get more than an extended vacation.

09-12-2007, 04:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
Habsfan84 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 3,588	NHL suspends Leafs' Bell for 15 games Toronto Maple Leafs' Mark Bell was suspended without pay for 15 regular-season games by the NHL on Wednesday. The suspension stems from a driving under the influence of alcohol incident in California on September 1st, 2006. Bell will serve six months in county jail at the end of the season as a result. The 27-year-old was with the San Jose Sharks at the time. "Playing in the National Hockey League is a privilege, and with that privilege comes a corresponding responsibility for exemplary conduct off the ice as well as on it," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "However, over the past year, Mark has made extraordinary strides in his rehabilitation," added Bettman. "This positive progress was a material factor in reducing what could have been a lengthier suspension." In August, Bell pleaded no contest to drunk driving and hit and run charges. He has been put into stage two of the NHL's substance abuse program. In order to be reinstated to active status, Bell will require the recommendation of the doctors who administer his care under the joint Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program of the NHL and NHLPA. The suspension will begin once he has been reinstated. "The NHL supports Mark's commitment to learning from his past mistakes and his efforts to move his life forward in a positive direction," said Bettman. Bell will be allowed to practice and train with the team during the suspension. __________________ FanHome Members Remember to Keep Posting on FanHome [where fans connect]. Guests Please RegisterFor Access to a Great Forum

09-13-2007, 09:00 AM	#2 (permalink)
GLG Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 179	A slap on the wrist. Pays to be popular. You or I would get more than an extended vacation. __________________ FloydianLeaf / Leaf_Fan_4_Ever 1969 - 2007 R.I.P. Michael. Shine on, you crazy diamond.