Photo credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The NHL is investigating William Nylander’s actions during Toronto’s matinee game vs. Colorado which may have been a bit over the line according to the league.
During Toronto’s afternoon loss to the Colorado Avalanche, the TV camera panned to the Maple Leafs press box where a few players who are out with injury were taking in the game.
Well, William Nylander had some fun with it and decided to flip the bird to the camera, which went over about as well as you’d think.
Nylander apologized and it seemed like just a case of wrong place, wrong time.
NHL to look at William Nylander’s middle finger during Maple Leafs/Avalanche game
However to the NHL that isn’t acceptable and there could be some further consequences for the star winger.
According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, the NHL is going to be investigating William Nylander’s actions on Sunday and will decide if it warrants any punishment:
The NHL is looking at this William Nylander incident, per sources. It’s possible the #leafs forward will face punishment for flipping the middle finger at the broadcast camera during today’s game.
Nylander has since apologized, calling it a ‘moment of frustration.’
As much as Nylander tried to smooth things over, there really isn’t much he can do considering all the evidence is against him.
William Nylander’s actions another blemish on rocky season
While it may have been a joke and there was no maliciousness to the gesture, the NHL does have rules and restrictions in place, and in trying to keep an air of professionalism want to make sure it might not happen again.
Per Rule 75.5, a player may be subject to a fine if they are seen to be making an obscene gesture, with Andrew Ference getting a $2,500 fine in 2011 for doing the same thing albeit during a game.
Even from the picture, you could tell that teammate Dakota Joshua seemed a bit unsure of the gesture and although it was done in a joking manner with Nylander smiling; the connotation is still there.
Nylander has been out of action since Jan. 16 when he injured himself vs. Vegas after celebrating a goal. He tweaked his groin and there is currently no return date though the team is hoping he can come back this upcoming weekend.
But he may need to end up waiting for another game depending on how the NHL feels about the situation, and he might wind up also getting an earful from Craig Berube about what happened.
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NHL is now reviewing William Nylander’s gesture, and a decision is coming
Should William Nylander be punished for his middle finger to the TV camera?