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Camera never lies Video, pictures presented as McSorley trial begins
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- Marty McSorley sat expressionless as prosecutors opened his assault trial by showing video of him bashing Donald Brashear in the head with his stick. McSorley, who played for the Boston Bruins last season, faces up to 1 1/2 years in prison if convicted of assault with a weapon. Prosecutor Mike Hicks introduced several exhibits, including a 14-minute video of the Feb. 21 game against Vancouver in which McSorley and Brashear fought in the first period. McSorley's late-game hit on Brashear was shown from different angles. McSorley, who has spent 17 years in the NHL, watched the tape stoically, jotting down notes at times. Also displayed were photos of Brashear's battered face taken by the team photographer a day after the game. Brashear sustained a concussion and returned to play near the end of this past season. The first witness called by the prosecutor was referee Brad Watson, who officiated the game. Linesman Mike Cvik and Canucks trainer Mike Burnstein also testified. Cvik said he was near McSorley and Brashear when McSorley tried to initiate a second fight in the first period.
"Donald was trying to get away. He wanted no part of it." When court adjourned for the day, McSorley left without speaking to reporters. Brashear and Vancouver president and GM Brian Burke were both at the courthouse but not in the courtroom. This is the first trial for an on-ice attack by an NHL player since Dino Ciccarelli, then with the Minnesota North Stars, was sentenced in 1988. He received one day in jail and a $1,000 fine for striking Toronto's Luke Richardson with his stick. The key issue is not whether McSorley struck Brasher but whether such an attack in pro hockey constitutes assault with a weapon. The NHL contends disciplinary matters should left to the league. McSorley was suspended by the NHL for the final 23 games of the season. He lost about $70,000 in pay and is an unrestricted free agent. He still must meet with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman before he is cleared to play.
McSorley is unsigned and had shoulder surgery in the offseason. At 37, it's not clear if he will play again, regardless of the outcome of the trial.
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