Bertuzzi Charged

Finally, Todd Bertuzzi was charged with assault after sucker punching Steve Moore during a game which left Moore with a broken neck.

The charges -- assault causing bodily harm -- were announced by the criminal justice branch of the ministry of the attorney general after an investigation that lasted four months. Bertuzzi was ordered to appear in provincial court July 9.

If found guilty, Bertuzzi could face a penalty ranging from prison to an absolute discharge with no criminal record. This depends on in which court the trial is heard, which could be determined by the Canadian police before the court appearance.

Bertuzzi could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if the trial is held in B.C. Supreme Court. However, that penalty is usually reserved for only the worst cases involving repeat offenders and is highly unlikely in this incident.

Possible sentence of 10 years in prison for one moment of indiscretion? If you do the crime...

But the chances are even if Bertuzzi is convicted he will recieve no jail time. Jim Kelley over at ESPN.com seems to thinks this is the case:

There's a better than 50-50 chance that Bertuzzi will be convicted of something, does little to no jail time and eventually returns to the NHL rinks. There likely will be a nasty little civil suit, one that could cost him and the NHL a great deal of money, perhaps shaking the game right down to its financial foundations.

Criminal charges, an expensive civil suit, and a possible work stoppage is going to put a nail in the coffin of my favorite sport. Can life go on without hockey? Probably for most but mine will be just a little less enjoyable without it.