SPHL Suspends Brad Cooper Two Games and Leo Thomas for Remainder of '12-13 Season

[chilly666]

HUNTERSVILLE, NC – Following a review, the Southern Professional Hockey League today announced disciplinary action resulting from an incident involving fans at the conclusion of Game #150, Pensacola at Louisiana, played on Friday, January 25:

Pensacola player Brad Cooper has been suspended two (2) games for his actions. Cooper sat out Pensacola’s game against Louisiana on January 26 and will miss their game against Columbus on February 1.

“While reports from arena security and eyewitness accounts acknowledge Mr. Cooper did not initiate the confrontation, players cannot become involved with fans for any reason,” stated League President Jim Combs.

Pensacola player Leo Thomas has been suspended for the balance of the 2012-2013 season and playoffs.

“Mr. Thomas could have assisted his teammate and helped defuse the incident, but instead escalated the situation and we cannot in any way condone or defend his actions. Any confrontation with fans is a serious matter, but physically engaging a paying customer, for any reason, must result in a significant penalty,” continued Combs.

[gdameo]

Any video?

[montgomeryt5h]

Originally Posted by gdameo

Any video?

you can see a player moving towards the fan about the 9 second mark and punch thrown at the 10 second mark. the video then zooms in on the incident. AS always, recommend muting the commentary as the IceGator announcers are always clueless.

And THANKS to sambo722rt for supplying the youtube access to the video.

Leo Thomas Incident - YouTube

[3blindmice]

Huntsville Havoc / Columbus Cottonmouths incident...

These guys got 5 and 8 games. Seems like pretty similar incidents to me.

[travytrav]

thomas sucks any way.

[grimson]

Reminded me of Rick Rypien God rest his soul.

[b_eazzzy]

Originally Posted by montgomeryt5h

you can see a player moving towards the fan about the 9 second mark and punch thrown at the 10 second mark. the video then zooms in on the incident. AS always, recommend muting the commentary as the IceGator announcers are always clueless.

And THANKS to sambo722rt for supplying the youtube access to the video.



Leo Thomas Incident - YouTube

This was obviously race related, as Thomas is black and they were in Louisiana.

But wow, he blasted that dude.

[woeisme]

I'm glad that camera man who is standing literally right next to the incident was staring off into space the entire time. We wouldn't want any clear video or audio recordings of what was said or happened to cause this.

[caps05]

And for his role in the incident, Thomas got rewarded by signing a contract in the CHL.

[BobNystromOwnsU]

Originally Posted by travytrav

thomas sucks any way.

STFU. Bloomington didn't think so.

Originally Posted by woeisme

I'm glad that camera man who is standing literally right next to the incident was staring off into space the entire time. We wouldn't want any clear video or audio recordings of what was said or happened to cause this.

You should see how they film shootouts. Goalie butt can. Unreal. And the most biased crying announcers you ever heard.