Morgan Rielly Addresses Cross Checking Incident With The Media Following Suspension Appeal

The 29-year-old veteran talked about the incident in his latest media availability. Leafs reporter David Alter did a full piece on the press conference. Rielly claims that the play was retaliatory in nature, but that he did not intend to 'execute it the way it was.' It seems as though he means he did not intend to cross check him in the face, but simply hurt him in some other way.

Commissioner Gary Bettman obviously did not see it this way, hence the five-game suspension being upheld after his appeal. Bettman cited the fact that Rielly could have responded in a different way in his reasoning for the decision.

This incident has generated a lot of buzz from around the hockey world with many analysts, coaches, and players commenting on the ordeal. One player who has been vocal about the incident is Rielly's teammate and Leafs captain John Tavares.

Flyers head coach John Tortorella was also asked about the incident. His response dove more into a broader conversation about the culture of the sport, especially regarding how today's players have a greater sense of self-importance.

As seen on Morgan Rielly Breaks his Silence on what he Learned about his Cross-Check on Ridly Greig