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NHL Community Thinks Firing Ref Tim Peel For Hot-Mic Incident Was Excessive

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 05: Referee Tim Peel (20) after a whistle during third period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on January 5, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)

NHL ref Tim Peel got caught in the act doing something that refs do every day in the NHL–calling a make up penalty.

During the Red Wings-Predators game, Peel was heard on mic saying he, ““wanted to get a f—ing penalty against Nashville.”

After a short investigation into the matter, the NHL has decided to fire Tim Peel.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the integrity of our game,” NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell said in a statement. “Tim Peel’s conduct is in direct contradiction to the adherence to that cornerstone principle that we demand of our officials and that our fans, players, coaches and all those associated with our game expect and deserve. There is no justification for his comments, no matter the context or his intention, and the National Hockey League will take any and all steps necessary to protect the integrity our game.”

The NHL community has taken to social media to share their view that Peel’s punishment was a bit extreme.

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I think the support from NHL players is especially telling as it pertains to the Tim Peel situation. The guys on the ice are well aware that make-up calls are a thing. Now, if you want to change the dynamic of that, then that’s another story.

Tim Peel was just the scapegoat and happened to get caught doing something that is actually pretty widely accepted in the league. The worst part is that Tim Peel was scheduled to retire after the season. He just had to make it a couple more months.

I happen to feel bad for the guy.


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