Controversial former NHL referee Tim Peel calls out Team USA's LeBron James
Controversial former NHL referee Tim Peel became the latest figure to call out Team USA's LeBron James for his rude interaction with a young fan following his 2024 Paris Olympics gold.
Just like the 2024 Paris Olympics, the NHL is no stranger to controversial figures and polarizing moments. Among these characters is former referee Tim Peel. Following a hot-mic incident that captured him bragging about calling a penalty because he wanted to in a game between the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings, he was dismissed from his role in the league. The NHL Senior Executive VP Colin Campbell shared that this was done to ensure the utmost integrity in any future games.
"Nothing is more important than ensuring the integrity of our game. Tim Peel's conduct is in direct contradiction to the adherence to that cornerstone principle that we demand of our officials and that our fans, players, coaches and all those associated with our game expect and deserve. There is no justification for his comments, no matter the context or his intention, and the National Hockey League will take any and all steps necessary to protect the integrity our game."
Years later, Lebron James has added to his basketball legacy with Team USA's 98-87 victory over Team France, earning him his third Olympic Gold medal. However, when Lebron James started into a club to celebrate another victory, a young fan tried to get a picture with the player. Lebron James then harshly urged the fan to stop before continuing around his vehicle.
"Stop, stop, stop, stop. Don't do that."
Tim Peel, being the polarizing figure he is, shared his thoughts on Lebron James' reaction to the young fan. While many have attacked the basketball player for being too unkind, Tim Peel stated his belief that a hockey player would never treat a fan in this manner.
Though hockey players can be absolutely brutal on the ice during a game, most NHL viewers would be hard-pressed to think of a time when a major player of the sport mistreated a fan, particularly a young one. Hopefully, Lebron James will take this chirp as a learning lesson to be a little kinder when turning down fan service.
| POLL | ||
AOÛT 12 | 195 ANSWERS Controversial former NHL referee Tim Peel calls out Team USA's LeBron James Is Tim Peel right that a hockey player would never be as rude to a fan as Lebron James was? | ||
| Yes | 139 | 71.3 % |
| No | 34 | 17.4 % |
| Partly | 22 | 11.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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