Columbus Blue Jackets
John Tortorella Fined $25K by NHL For Media Avail Incident
John Tortorella has been fined by the NHL for his actions at a media avail after a Game 5 playoff loss.
We wrote last week that there was speculation head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets John Tortorella was going to be fined for walking out of a media avail after just 40 seconds. Following a Game 5 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the veteran coach balked at a question about how life in the NHL bubble might have benefited his team and refused to answer, saying, “You know what guys? I’m not going to get into the touchy feely stuff and the moral victories and all that. You guys be safe.”
Today, it has been reported that Tortorella has been fined by the NHL for his actions. He’s been hit with a $25K fine as per a report by Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.
Some are already arguing that this is unfair considering he just didn’t want to talk about emotional stuff after an emotional loss but others are suggesting he’s still got a job to do. Part of that job is talking with the media, for better or for worse, and helping promote the game. The argument is that Tortorella can’t just shirk those responsibilities any time he feels like it.
Some are even arguing that his act has become a sideshow and the NHL feels like they need to reign it in.
This Probably Won’t Change Much
At the end of the day, $25K is not probably going to change Tortorella’s attitude but it might send a message that this is the kind of thing the league will continue to not tolerate. And, with each offense, the fines should increase.
Like a player being suspended for hits to the head or dirty plays, if this becomes a habit for the coach, could those fines increase to the point he’s getting hit with over $100K fines or be suspended for a game?
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