Suspension: CUCA Hockey - Greg Hennessy |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2010-11 SeasonMarch 21, 2011 Facts: On March 4, 2011 CUCA’s G. Hennessy was involved in a serious altercation with SAIT game day officials. During the second period, Mr. Hennessy was sent to the penalty box. He started swinging his stick in the box and told game day official Katie Allen to “shut the fuck up, you fucking bitch. You know nothing.” He pushed her and nearly hit her in the face with his stick before again swearing at Ms. Allen and her co-worker. I have chosen not to repeat Mr. Hennessy’s subsequent foul language but suffice it to say that they were even more inappropriate than the profanity outlined above. Ruling: Given that the incident was not brought to the referee’s attention until the start of the third period, he did not feel that he could issue a penalty. However, he has since confirmed that he definitely would have issued a gross misconduct penalty based on the circumstances as reported to him. Article I, Section 13, Rule 9.3 of the ACAC Operating Code is worded as follows: 9.3.1 A player who has received a gross misconduct penalty shall normally be assessed a three-game suspension. 9.3.2 At the discretion of the Commissioner, further or fewer penalties may be applied. Although Rule 9.3 is not binding under the circumstances, it is still an effective guideline in determining the appropriate sanction in this case. In addition, Article I Section 3 Rules 4.1 and 4.2 state that: 4.1 Student athletes are expected to conform to a higher standard of behaviour by exhibiting the following qualities while involved in competitive situations: 4.1.4 Respect for Officials- exhibit respect for referees’ and officials’ judgments and decisions. 4.2 Student athletes are expected to adopt the following personal attributes and priorities: 4.2.2 Personal Conduct- expect and present the best of one’s self at all times. It is clear that Mr. Hennessy’s actions do not meet the ACAC’s expectations for its student athletes. His actions toward the two women in question were disturbing and inappropriate. He has acted in a manner that shows a complete lack of respect toward them. Given the seriousness of Mr. Hennessy’s actions, I feel that the three (3) game suspension indicated in Rule 9.3.1 above is not severe enough. In my opinion, the appropriate suspension in this case is four (4) games. Given that this incident took place during CUCA’s last game of the season, Mr. Hennessy is hereby suspended for the first four (4) regular season games of the 2011-12 season. In addition to the above suspension, Mr. Hennessy shall not compete in the ACAC until he has apologized in writing to Katie Allen and her co-worker, whose identity will be confirmed by the ACAC office. The letters of apology shall be submitted to the ACAC office, which will then ensure that they are received by Ms. Allen and her co-worker. If Mr. Hennessy is involved in another incident such as this, he can be assured that the consequences will be much more severe. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |