He Shoots, He Scores...He knocks him out?

Cathy! There's Richard on the ice." Grandma Watkins tugged on her granddaughter's sweater. "Richard! Yahoo!”

"Grandma, please sit down. The other hockey fans can't see."

Grandma settled back in her seat, smiling proudly. "Our famous hockey star!"

"There's the starter whistle, Grandma." The puck flew. The crowd roared. Suddenly, all eyes were riveted on the melee escalating on the ice.

Grandma gasped. "They're taking their clothes off! Oh my…they're fighting! And Richard's right in the middle of it! "

Cathy tried to calm her down. "Don’t worry, it happens a lot."

Grandma jumped to her feet, "DON'T YOU TOUCH MY GRANDSON!”

"Phweeeet!!" The whistle echoed throughout the stadium. The referee called a 4-minute penalty against Richard.

Cathy explained to her overwrought grandmother, "Richard must’ve started the fight with his arch enemy Barry Stevenson."

"My Richard would never start a fight. That referee needs glasses,” Grandma huffed.

Cathy shrugged her shoulders. "It’s a rough game, Grandma.”

“Maybe he should consider lawn bowling,” Grandma suggested.

When the penalty was over, Richard was back at it with Barry, scuffling for the puck. Richard took a big swing.

“SCORE A BASKET, RICHARD!” Grandma shouted.

“It’s a goal, Grandma,” Cathy giggled. The puck went out of play and the referee blew his whistle. Richard skated nonchalantly towards the boards.

Suddenly, Barry started skating towards him. “Barry’s going up to Richard. Maybe he wants to make nice,” Grandma smiled.

Cathy bit her nails nervously. “I think he’s out for revenge.” The referee blew his whistle a second time. But that didn’t stop Barry. He kept after Richard, picking up speed.

“RICHARD! WATCH YOUR BACK!” Grandma yelled.

Barry slammed into Richard, bodychecking him into the boards. Grandma shrieked. Richard's skates sailed out from under him and he was knocked unconscious. When he recovered, Richard sued Barry for his injuries.

IN THE COURTROOM

Richard’s head was bandaged. “Your Honor, Barry had no right to check me after the whistle. Players should be bound by the rules. Make him pay for this!”

Barry argued back. “Everyone knows that hockey is a violent sport. To get the puck, players often trip each other, slash each other with their sticks, and fight each other. Body checks are just another risk inherent in professional hockey. If Richard can’t take the heat, he should get off the ice!”

Does Barry owe damages? You! Be The Judge. Then look below for the court’s decision.

THE DECISION

“Barry is off the hook,” held the Judge. “This severe body check, several seconds after the whistle, may have been in violation of the rules, but it’s just part of the game of professional hockey. The game is played intensely partly because the players can reap huge financial rewards.”

Today’s column is based on a case from the United States. The characters and the scenarios are fictional. Any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. The information in this column does not constitute legal advice. If you have a similar problem, consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction. Elissa Bernstein is a lawyer and internationally syndicated columnist. Copyright 2007 Haika Enterprises.