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James Wisniewski regrets making obscene gesture toward Sean Avery, ‘hurting’ his team

jameswisregrets

James O’Brien

Honestly, I thought the NHL went overboard in handing New York Islanders defenseman James Wisniewski a two game suspension for making the international gesture for fellatio toward Sean Avery. Sure, it was childish and embarrassing, but isn’t that how you’d describe just about every post-whistle scuffle and bit of trash talking? He simply translated that nonsense into a hand gesture.

Sure, it’s not as ridiculous as giving Sean Avery (Wisniewski’s “victim” besides THE CHILDREN) a six game suspension for using high school gossip lingo to talk about his ex-girlfriend, but handing out the same punishment for a hand motion as the league does for a dangerous hit sends a strange message. It actually reminds me of the general theme of the documentary “This Film was not yet rated"; NHL executives give violence a ton of rope but cringe at the slightest hint of sex.

(Then again, while violence is inherent to the sport, sex isn’t really a part of hockey. At least, I hope not.)

Regardless of my feelings on the subject, Wisniewski expressed the fact that he regrets what he did to Chris Botta of NHL Fanhouse.

Back in the lineup after watching his team in a loss in Washington and overtime loss in Pittsburgh, Wisniewski did not want to leave it unclear just who was wrong on Monday.

“You can’t do stuff like that,” said Wisniewski, who had a goal and two assists in his first two games of the season. “You have to keep your emotions cool. You have to keep your emotions in check. People are watching. You have to be professional. You have to be responsible for your actions.”

Considering Wisniewski’s troubles the last couple seasons - he was also suspended eight games for a regrettable charge on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook last season - so maybe this bit of shame will inspire him to clean up his act. The Islanders are actually off to a good start, as they’re currently tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins at six points (and they’ve played in one less game, too). Having a focused Wisniewski could be a great asset for the Islanders, who are considerably banged up already this season.