NHLPA Statement on Reduction of Austin Watson Suspension
TORONTO (Oct. 12, 2018) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association issued the following statement this evening regarding the impartial arbitrator’s decision to reduce Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson’s suspension from 27 to 18 NHL games:
“The NHLPA takes domestic violence seriously and continues to work together with the NHL to ensure that players are educated on this important societal issue. As part of those efforts, the NHL/NHLPA conduct domestic violence awareness training at our Rookie Orientation Program and during the season for all NHL players.
The CBA provides players with the right to appeal discipline imposed by the NHL for off-ice conduct to an impartial arbitrator. This essential right is intended to encourage the fair and consistent application of discipline. The arbitrator’s independence helps ensure that the process and decision are fair. That is a principle to which we should always strive to adhere, even in cases where the subject matter is as difficult as domestic violence.”
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