Controversy Rages Over Fatal Adam Johnson Hit as Video Surfaces
Justin Terranova, New York Post, October 31, 2023
Video of the tragic collision that resulted in Adam Johnson’s death has led to speculation over the intent of the player who hit him.
According to multiple reports, Matt Petgrave — the player whose skate came up and fatally cut Johnson’s neck — has dealt with a torrent of social media attacks since the incident.
The play occurred Saturday in a game between Johnson’s Nottingham Panthers and Petgrave’s Sheffield Steelers in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).
Police are investigating the circumstances of the 29-year-old’s death, which was described as a “freak accident” by the Panthers.
The low-quality video stream shows Petgrave, 31, bumping into another player and his skate going up in the air and hitting Johnson.
Adam Johnson ice hockey injury
(slowed down and zoomed in) pic.twitter.com/lgFvwybAHC— Squid Vicious MMA (@SquidViciousMMA) October 30, 2023
Petgrave is a journeyman enforcer and leads the EIHL in penalty minutes, according to the Toronto Sun.
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Fox News host Jesse Watters said in an interview with ex-Ranger Sean Avery that the play looked like “murder” to him.
“That’s a pretty dangerous word to be throwing around,” Avery responded.
“I’ve watched it, it’s terrible, it’s tough to watch. Did this kid make a move that was very unorthodox? Do I think he was trying to make contact of some sort? Absolutely.”
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