Albert Belle. Latrell Sprewell. John Rocker. Add Marty McSorley's name to a growing list of players who have tarnished the image of their sport. McSorley's ugly stick-swinging incident eight days ago that rendered Vancouver Canuck Donald Brashear unconscious has no place in the game of hockey. Let me be one more in the long line of columnists and commentators to condemn his action. Of course condemning McSorley's actions is akin to coming out in support of mothers and apple pie. It's a no-brainer.
But let me come out and say that his punishment is enough. There is no need for the legal authorities to step in. The NHL has handed out the longest suspension for on-ice behavior in the history of the game. McSorley will miss the 23 games remaining in the Bruins' schedule, as well as any playoff games should Boston make the playoffs. The League could also decide to extend the suspension into next year should they feel it is necessary. McSorley now has the dubious honor of surpassing fellow goon Dale Hunter for holder of the longest suspension in history.
This is a fitting punishment for McSorley, considering the long-term effects the hit could have on Brashear's career. And it does go far enough, despite those who would have you believe otherwise. Those calling for McSorley to be banned for life or thrown in jail should not let emotion get in the way of reason. Sure, watching the tape of the attack made me cringe, just like anyone else. But the question must be asked, what purpose would it serve?
The NHL has already sent a message that it will not tolerate McSorley's actions. What else can be done? Deterrence only goes so far. Players who perform hits from behind, slashes and various other cheap shots generally do not think before they act. They get caught up in the emotion of the game and just do it. Premeditation is the key when punishing athletes for violent acts in the heat of the battle. Something like a beanball is much more premeditated than McSorley's slash, yet you don't see police investigations every time a pitcher throws at someone's head. This is no excuse, but it explains why punishing McSorley even further is pointless.
The fine line of legal intrusion into sports has been walked before, especially in hockey. In 1969 Wayne Maki of the St. Louis Blues was the first NHL player taken to court after fracturing the skull of Bruin Ted Green in a stick-swinging duel. Both Maki and Green were acquitted on assault charges. Several incidents have occurred in the years following that, and almost all have ended with acquittals and dropped charges.
This is the way it should be. The NHL can take care of its own business, and doesn't need any help from Vancouver police or anyone else.
Now on to a happier subject. A week ago today marked the 20th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, when a team of no-name college kids upset the mighty Soviets 4-3 and went on to beat Finland to win Olympic gold at Lake Placid. Although most of us are too young to remember first-hand, anybody who has heard the call with Al Michaels screaming "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!!!", or seen captain Mike Eruzione's toothless grin, or goalie Jim Craig wrapped in an American flag knows the significance of the game. Personally, I get goose-bumps every time I see the replay.
The game had far-reaching implications, even beyond the scope of hockey. The win came at a time when America's confidence was in need of a boost. The Cold War was at its height, and the malaise of the Carter years was just lifting. For an underdog team of kids to beat a Soviet team that included some of the greatest players in the world was certainly something America could be proud of. The fact that most of the members of the 1980 Olympic team never went on to do much in the NHL only fuels the mythic nature of the win. It was their destiny. That is what the Classic Sports Network was made for.
