NHL referee Tim Peel (slightly) is heading towards early retirement.
The longtime NHL referee was caught in an unfortunate hot-mic moment on Tuesday night, prompting much faster action from the NHL offices. The league announced on Tuesday that Peel’s services on ice would no longer be needed.
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NHL’s full statement:
There is nothing more important than ensuring the integrity of our game. Tim Peel’s conduct is in direct contradiction to our adherence to the cornerstone principle that we demand of our officials and that our fans, players, coaches and all those associated with our sport are expected and deserving. His comments have no justification, no matter the context or his intentions, and the National Hockey League will take any and all necessary steps to protect integrity [of] Our game.
Peel was scheduled to referee his last game on April 24, meaning the NHL had, in fact, the earliest exit from the league after more than 1,300 regular-season games and 90 more in the Stanley Cup playoffs Points given.
Peel was removed indefinitely and not fired, which is important to note, which means Peel will be paid and receive his pension after retirement.
While some fans were upset with Peel’s comments on ice, others were more understanding of the situation. here’s why:
What did Tim Peel say?
During Tuesday night’s Red Wings-Predators matchup, Peel was caught on a hot mic stating that he wanted to fine Nashville before commercially broadcast cuts.
(Warning: The video contains the NSFW language.)
Peel says he wanted to recover the fine as soon as possible against Nashville before the broadcast was cut.
Part of the video’s understanding is the situation: speculation holds that Peel was aiming for a make-up call in favor of the Red Wings, as the referees are not doing so in the game.
I personally would have considered referring to the statement that the NHL intends to address to the issue of make-up calls with the entirety of its caretaker so that it no longer exists. Tim Peel grips loudly saying what many officials think all the time.
– Aaron Basu (@ArponBasu) March 24, 2021
Look, I dislike Tim Peel’s next street as much as I like it, but you can’t tell me that you’re making this guy a scapegoat for every officer, because he was dumb enough to say that
– Hannah Stuart (@HockeywthHannah) March 24, 2021
The NHL has more than Tim Peel “heard him say he once wanted to make a makeup call in a team.” The league has problems, and described “game management” efforts as part of the problem. But the league is aware that it happens (encourages it?), So just stinks.
– Justin Bourne (@jtbourne) March 24, 2021
Tim Peel canned event. According to @ScoutTheRefs He has regularly participated in 1,334 seasons and 90 playoff games.
I know that all of us thought that this kind of thing had happened but to be proof of it is no small thing. https://t.co/9bSaAZUQOf
– Steve “Dangal” Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) March 24, 2021
Others were still critical of Peel’s seemingly vocal admission of wanting to administer a make-up call.
In any case, Peel is out and the NHL still has a big ol ‘outrageous mess on their hands.
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