John Tortorella Fined $20,000 For Penguins Comments

John Tortorella, coach of the New York Rangers hockey team, was fined a hefty $20,000 for his critical remarks regarding the Pittsburgh Penguins. In particular, his commentary regarding Derek Stepan’s injury derived from a hit he took from Brooks Orpik has earned him this considerable fine. In regards to the hit, coach Tortorella was quoted having said:

“I wonder what would happen if we did it to their two whining stars. I wonder what would happen. So I’m anxious to see what happens with the league. There’s no respect amongst players. None. It’s sickening.”

After his verbal assault which targeted Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, which he referenced as “their two whining stars,” Tortorella continued to trash talk the team as was quoted by USA Today having said:

“It’s one of the most arrogant organizations in the league. They whine about this all the time and look what happens.”

Last January, Tortorella was hit with a whopping $30,000 fine for insinuating that NBC and the league were intentionally trying to push the Winter Classic game into overtime; he later apologized.

Crosby’s response to being called a whiner by the Rangers coach was simply that Tortorella’s comments were “garbage.” Talking to Pittsburgh news reporters, Crosby was quoted saying:

“I don’t know what he’s talking about. I mean, if you want you can put a camera on us all game, put a camera on Callahan all game. You’ll see who’s over there more. He should worry about his own players.”

What do you think of the league’s decision to fine NY Rangers coach John Tortorella $20,000 for his commentary after Thursday’s loss to to the Pittsburgh Penguins?

John Tortorella Comments Video: