Sep 12, 2007, 16:50 GMT
New York, NY - The National Hockey League suspended Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mark Bell for 15 regular-season games without pay on Wednesday for having engaged in and acknowledging conduct deemed to be dishonorable, prejudicial to or against the welfare of the league or the game of hockey.
The NHL originally suspended Bell indefinitely without pay on September 4 and placed him in the league's substance abuse program.
Bell pleaded no contest in August to hit-and-run charges and drunken driving, both charges coming from an incident in California last September, when Bell was a member of the San Jose Sharks. The 27-year-old will serve six months in jail next summer after the end of the season.
The upcoming season is now up in the air for Bell. He will remain in the league's substance abuse program until approval for his reinstatement is given by the NHL, the NHL players' union, and program doctors.
According to the suspension under By-Law 17, Bell's 15-game penalty will not begin until he receives the proper clearance by all three parties. Although he will not be allowed to play during the ban, Bell will be able to participate in practice and training sessions with the Maple Leafs.
'Playing in the National Hockey League is a privilege, and with that privilege comes a corresponding responsibility for exemplary conduct off the ice as well as on it,' said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. 'Such conduct is a violation of our covenant with our fans, and to the game, and is prejudicial to the welfare of the league.'
The Maple Leafs acquired Bell in a draft-day trade in June along with goaltender Vesa Toskala in exchange for three draft picks.
Bell has scored 83 goals and accrued 89 assists in 410 career games with the Sharks and Blackhawks. He finished with 11 goals and 10 assists in 71 games for the Sharks last season.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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