Well, isn't this a comfort?

The Associated Press reports that Chris Simon will not face criminal charges for his on-ice two-handed swing at New York Ranger Ryan Hollweg on March 8th. What a comfort it must be to the league that an incident that would result in some potential behind-bars time in the real world gets a pass, largely on the basis of the statement of the victim:

"They asked me if I wanted to, but I told them I didn't want to press charges. I'm not happy about what he did, but I want to focus on making the playoffs. I just want to move on."

"Move on"...sounds so simple, doesn't it. Except what we've moved on to is this...



Are they related? Well, in a sense, yes. It speaks to a fundamental lack of respect for opponents. Simon didn't give a thought to the use of a stick to make a point; Jordin Tootoo didn't give a thought to the fact that if you're going to take on the other team's big gun, you will have to stand and answer for that action without resorting to a sucker punch. And not too long ago, there was this that we've moved on from -- a flying appendage thrown at Chris Drury by Chris Neil and the associated aftermath...



An epidemic? No, all part of a disturbing piece, nonetheless.