NHL Ref Covers Mic While Explaining Call

Long-time NHL referee Tim Peel was caught on a live microphone during an NHL game this week admitting to calling a make-up penalty, and the NHL took a whole 12 hours to decide he would be fired.

After whistling Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson for tripping during Tuesday’s game between the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings, Peel was caught saying: "there wasn't much, but I wanted to get a f—ing penalty against Nashville early in the—."

The Predators beat the Red Wings 2-0, and the 53-year-old official was fired roughly 12 hours after the accident took place — he will no longer be working NHL games now or in the future.

National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell said nothing is more important than ensuring the integrity of the game.

"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," Campbell said. "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.”

NHL referee Eric Furlatt covered his mic to ensure zero chance of anyone overhearing whatever explanation he's giving to Wayne Simmonds.