Should Morgan Rielly Be Suspended For Cross-Checking Ridly Greig?
The NHL world is in a bit of an uproar after Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly cross-checked Ridly Grieg after an egregious slapshot into an empty net. The morality of the moment has been discussed, leading to the ultimate question—should Rielly be suspended?
Jeremy Roenick and Tim Peel break down the moment on Snipes and Stripes and reveal if the respect value should be taken into account with Rielly's actions.
"The kid's [Greig] got talent. Obviously, he's got some grit and some gusto. But there is one thing you don't do in sports, especially in the National Hockey League, and that's embarrass the other team. Shove it in their face and be a showboat in a losing situation. Or be a sore winner in the situation, as Ridley Grieg was. You don't take a slapshot right in front of the net and embarrass the other team like that. I would have done the same thing as Morgan Rielly, although I would not have cross-checked him in the head. I don't think that's what Morgan Rielly tried to do."
via Jeremy Roenick, Snipes and Stripes
Roenick is right in that it appeared Morgan was trying to check him in the upper body, but the speed at which he came in made it appear he was aiming for Grieg's head.
Despite the intention behind the check, Morgan could face a suspension, regardless of what Grieg did.
"What Ridly Grieg did is BS, to tell you the truth. It's immature, it's childish, it's disrespectful, but its in his prerogative to do it."
via Jeremy Roenick, Snipes and Stripes
Ridley is only 21 years old, so it could just be his youthful nature that led to him being a showboat. Still, he could have been told so by his teammates instead of taking a shot to the head.
Rielly acted with pure anger, and sometimes anger leads to unfortunate moments like a cross-check. The NHL is likely to offer a lengthy suspension for his actions.
