NHL Fines Rangers $250,000 For Critical Comments
The NHL is putting the Rangers' money in its own pocket after the Rangers loudly complained about Capitals forward Tom Wilson.
The Rangers were hit with a $250,000 fine after they released a statement after the league issued Wilson nothing but a fine for his role in a brawl involving the two teams earlier this week.
As part of the statement, the Rangers said league disciplinarian George Parros is “unfit to continue in his current role.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman then responded with a statement of his own:
“Public comments of the nature issued by the Rangers that were personal in nature and demeaning of a League executive will not be tolerated,” Bettman said. “While we don’t expect our Clubs to agree with every decision rendered by the Department of Player Safety, the extent to which the Rangers expressed their disagreement was unacceptable.
“It is terribly unfair to question George Parros’ professionalism and dedication to his role and the Department of Player Safety.”
Wilson was fined the maximum $5,000 for his role in the brawl. The teams then engaged in six fights in the first period of Wednesday's rematch, including a scrap at the opening faceoff.
The Rangers fired team president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton before the game, which the Capitals won 4-2.