Originally Posted by
trapezeus
i've never driven drunk or under the influence. i am paranoid about it and don't want to get caught. so i haven't done it. and i won't do it. so i am fine saying what he did was stupid and inexcusable.
at the same time, it is a first offense, and if he doesn't do it again based on light punishment, i'm fine with it. but alcoholics are the ones who won't change and can't gauge when they are impaired. and that's a big issue. especially when you are married to the guy for 7 years and you can't move him.
if he brushes this off, it really will be a nightmare. If he thinks its a non issue, can't see that he is a leader who shouldn't put the team in this situation, and potentially gives ownership/coaching staff the feeling that this probably will happen again, it has the potential of being Leino but worse. it's 7 years of a guy who may see himself as too good to follow rules.
if he can put this behind him and face the consequences for breaking the law and endangering others, then yeah, great he learned from his mistakes. and it's hockey as normal.
i already said earliers, what the sabres can do is limited by the low level penalties the NHL provides for cheap shots and nearly killing people with their sticks. an off ice incident where no one is harmed (the NHL key point on assessing suspensions) makes it seem like all the sabres can and should do at this point is a missed game after discussing with him on why this is occuring.
and Wagon, i was all for the ML trade at the time. i thought he pushed it too far, kept getting into trouble when it was obvious that he was on the cusp of a serious suspension. i didn't think it was worth it and i know we got beans for a guy who ultimately still plays at a high level, despite being a diva. i still don't mind that trade.