Such is the case of a hockey player whose violence against another player resulted in charges of assault with a weapon. This time the violence resulted not only in the usual penalties and suspensions from the National Hockey League, but a trip to the courtroom with possible jail time. Taking a case of this nature out of the athletic field and into the courtroom sets a bad precedent. It could have long-term ramifications for how sports are played in the future. Brashear's injuries required surgery and rehabilitation, but he is expected to play hockey again.
Violence permeates hockey games, in spite of rules that penalize players for fighting on the ice.
Professional hockey players know what they are getting into when they sign up to play in the league. Those players expect some kind of protection from malice, but they also expect to be immune from prosecution for acts that occur in the field of play. Had the violence of occurred outside the rink, it would have been justifiable and expected to charge McSorley in court. But he was charged for what happened in the field of play. This time McSorley, who could have been incarcerated for up to 18 months for the assault, was given a conditional discharge despite a conviction.