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Canadiens’ Brandon Prust: “Referee Verbally Attacked Me”

By Lissa Albert

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May 3, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brandon Prust (8) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn (55) fight during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Canadiens’ Brandon Prust: “Referee Verbally Attacked Me”

In Game 2 of the series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning, Habs forward Brandon Prust was given a double minor six minutes into the first period. The penalty was for roughing, and the second penalty for “unsportsmanlike conduct.”

It was unknown until the end of the game and post-game interviews what that unsportsmanlike conduct comprised. When Prust was interviewed, he stated that referee Brad Watson had verbally attacked him. Andi Petrillo of CBC tweeted the following:

Prust is no stranger to outspokenness. Two years ago, after then-coach of the Ottawa Senators, Paul MacLean, made a dismissive statement about the bloody, season-ending injury sustained by Lars Eller in Game 1 of the first-round playoffs between the Senators and Canadiens, Prust said: “We don’t care what that bug-eyed fat walrus has to say.”

The statement made news, and though it was not endorsed by the Habs’ management, Prust became an instant hero of those who were put off by MacLean’s uncaring comments.

Now, Brandon Prust is under the microscope again. His accusations are serious. And yet, there is an NHL ethics Code that states that players and coaches not disparage the League or its officials in any way, publicly. Prust is under review for his comments.

Kerry Fraser – a retired referee, a respected man, and someone who currently provides insight both on Twitter and local sports radio (and someone I recommend following on Twitter) – tweeted as well:

Asked whether he believes a suspension is forthcoming, he replied:

In this day and age, with microphones and videocameras all over arenas, it may be that easy to verify Prust’s account.

What we do know is this: while Prust was sitting in the penalty box, Watson continued to chastise him. There is video (a GIF – looping video) that was tweeted as well:

Is this “normal” referee behavior? I don’t believe so. If proven to be true, it is highly unprofessional and, in my opinion, unethical.

Fraser agrees:

And while Prust has the reputation of being outspoken, there is no reason for him to have lied about what was said.

There are those who say they have read the referee’s lips and that the account is accurate. It is difficult to tell from the above clip but the investigation will help.

Should he have gone public with it? It’s a problem, ethics-wise. And this could present a huge problem for Prust – and his teammates – in future games, in the coming years.

But I also believe he had no choice but to come forward. Frankly, if he doesn’t, who will expose these incidents? This could force an investigation, as Fraser says, and perhaps the referee will be evaluated for his unprofessional behavior.

After all, refs are supposed to be impartial judges of play, enforcing rules and deciding when plays warrant in-game discipline. Not personally attacking players or goading them to the point where it is impossible for the player to speak out.

There’s already too much in the way of rumblings that referees show bias toward teams playing games that they officiate. And while I’m not a proponent of that theory, it is a possibility that referees do have personal feelings that sneak into their jobs. They’re only human, after all.

You can see the video of Prust’s interview here. I am torn between the professional ethics of not disparaging officials, and the need for incidents to be brought to light. However, I support Brandon Prust on this; I believe he is telling the truth (why would he lie?) and an investigation will ensue. Some would say it’s about time. And I concur.

Stay tuned for more as the day progresses. There is bound to be news as the NHL reviews the incident and we’ll bring it to you as it emerges.

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