[opbuzz]

I wish I could find the article about the hockey player, who during an altercation, told his opponent, "I don't fight Euros."

I believe he was suspended and fined for his offensive remark.

[quantim]

"...I don't fight Euros."

OHL player suspended after `Euros' comment
Associated Press  Posted on Mon, Feb. 02, 2004

PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Plymouth Whalers defenseman James Wisniewski has been suspended for five games by the Ontario Hockey League for using the word "Euros" during a game.

During Plymouth's 7-4 loss Friday to visiting Owen Sound, Stefan Ruzicka challenged Wisniewski to a fight, and Wisniewski reportedly responded by saying he did not fight "Euros."

The comment was overheard by a linesman. Wisniewski, Plymouth's captain, received a gross misconduct penalty.

Ruzicka, a third-round pick by Philadelphia in last year's draft, is a native of Nitra, Slovakia. Wisniewski said he didn't think he was being insensitive, and Plymouth coach Mike Vellucci agreed.

"I don't think he meant it in a harmful way," Vellucci told the Detroit Free Press.

Ted Baker, the OHL's director of hockey operations, said the league does not tolerate comments directed at players based on their origin, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Baker said there was no opportunity for Wisniewski to appeal.

"It was a transgression," Baker said of Wisniewski's comment. "I'll leave it to others whether it was major or minor."

Wisniewski began the suspension Saturday.