Last week, before a game versus the Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars' forward Sean Avery told TSN, "I am really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada. I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight." The comments were directed at Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf who is dating Avery's ex-girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert. Another former girlfriend, Rachel Hunter, has been linked to Los Angeles Kings forward Jarett Stoll.
The incident, the latest in many years by Avery, including other discriminatory remarks, was condemned by Commissioner Gary Bettman, the Dallas Stars organization and his teammates. Mr. Avery, known as the NHL “super pest” was handed, and is currently serving a six-game suspension for the remark.
Do you think the offence warranted the suspension? Was it too harsh or not harsh enough? Should NHL players be expected to uphold a professional code of conduct off the ice?