Islander statements on Simon, Comeau

New York Islander Fan Central | 12/17/2007 07:31:00 PM | | | | | |
Islanders website: Released statements by owner Charles Wang and Chris Simon, who has been granted time away from the team.

"The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team. I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I’m proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game.

"I want to thank the Islanders for providing the environment for me to become a better player and person, and our fans for their support along the way."


Islanders TV: Has comment from Ted Nolan, Bill Guerin and Brendan Witt where Nolan said there was no consideration to releasing him. Upper management briefed the team leaders, who then had a team meeting.

Newsday: Katie Strang wrote a brief article quoting the Islanders press release. No ruling has been made from the league at this time.

THN: Ken Campbell in the Hockey News jumped all over Simon and called for the league or the Islanders to cut ties with him for good without even including the club's statement.

SI.com: Michael Farber's article has one of those un-named executives saying the Islanders statement was an interesting tactic and that the club beat the league to the punch. Colin Campbell, who will meet with Simon tomorrow gave his comments.

"I don't want to say anything before a hearing," Campbell told On the Fly Monday afternoon. "Certainly, the player deserves time in front of the league. But this is a serious matter, especially because he's a recidivist. In fact, a multiple repeat offender. There is a lot of concern from the league. Luckily' neither one resulted in major injuries, but these are not minor infractions."


NYI Fan Central Comments:
If Chris Simon needs counseling, I hope he receives it and the club supports him in that endeavor. Having written that I have serious doubts he will ever wear an Islander uniform again.

Personally, if I were Chris Simon I would announce my retirement but I can only speak for myself. Only he knows if playing hockey brings this reaction from him.

What is Michael Farber talking about when he writes:
precisely the kind of things that Canadian-born hockey players are taught never to do.

Are there players in other countries taught to do otherwise Mr Farber?

Simon's not settling new standards here for anyone regardless of what country they were born in. One look at Canadian born Dale Hunter, Marty McSorley or Todd Bertuzzi and their past actions with countless others tell us where someone is born has no place here at all.

Islanders Website: Also issued a release on the promotion of forward Blake Comeau.