Anthony DeAngelo suspended three games for physical abuse of officials

The NHL announced on Sunday night that Arizona Coyotes defenseman Anthony DeAngelo has been suspended for three games for physical abuse of officials.

DeAngelo’s suspension came in response to this incident with linesman David Brisebois at the end of the second period against the Calgary Flames on New Year’s Eve:

Apart from some choice words for Brisebois, DeAngelo clearly attempts to break the linesman’s hold on his jersey as Brisebois attempted to remove DeAngelo from a post-buzzer scrum. Brisebois is a veteran linesman who made his debut in 1999 and has worked 960 games in his career.

This is not the first time in DeAngelo’s hockey career that he has faced supplemental discipline for a non-hockey play. The Ontario Hockey League suspended DeAngelo twice in 2014 for violations of the league’s policy to “keep homophobic, racist and sexist language out of the game.” The second suspension was for eight games. And to cap off the 2013-14 OHL season, DeAngelo was ejected from a game for - wait for it - abuse of officials.

Between this incident, the suspensions with Sarnia, and the eight healthy scratches while a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization attributed at least in part to “attitude issues”, and a pattern is beginning to emerge. At best, DeAngelo seems to let his emotions get the best of him in high-pressure situations. At worst, DeAngelo has systemic character problems that likely played a role in Tampa Bay’s decision to cut ties with their former first round draft choice.

Anthony DeAngelo will be eligible to return on Friday, January 13th versus the Winnipeg Jets.