Paul Bissonnette Speaks Out After Assault at Scottsdale Restaurant
Former NHL player turned TNT hockey analyst Paul Bissonnette was assaulted by a group of guys at a Scottsdale, Arizona restaurant Sunday, November 24, 2024. The hard-nosed, well-known player from his playing days stepped in to join the staff in trying to ease an altercation that had started to flare out of control, but it quickly turned physical.
The incident started when Paul Bissonnette saw a number of men seemingly arguing with restaurant staff. One of the men was becoming aggressive with the manager, and he had to intervene, Paul Bissonnette said. “I grabbed the guy’s arm and told him, ‘Sir, if you continue to harass and assault the staff, we’re going to have problems,’ “, Bissonnette recalled in one social media video.
CCTV footage of former NHL player Paul Bissonnette leaving Houstons Scottsdale on Sunday night #BizBrawl #BizNasty pic.twitter.com/OzWajKjLHM
— Jesper Shockley (@JesperShockley) November 26, 2024
The attack escalated quickly. A gang of men attacked Bissonnette inside the restaurant and outside as well. Outmuscled, Bissonnette fought back and was kicked in the head multiple times. “I took some, but I gave more,” Bissonnette said, adding that he was “very, very angry” at his attackers.
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Scottsdale police arrived at the scene and took into custody six of the males attending, charging them with assault and disorderly conduct. Bissonnette was whisked away to the nearest hospital for evaluation; however, it proved not to be a life-threatening injury.
Imprisoned after the shooting incident, Paul Bissonnette appeared on video to thank police, paramedics and hospital staff for their swift response. He thanks his fans for the support he has been getting, along with reassuring calls of concern. “Thanks for your calls and messages. Love you guys. Had a blast getting to record Spittin’ Chiclets today and share some laughs with the gang,” he said.
From 2008 to 2014, Paul Bissonnette played in the NHL as an enforcer and, post-playing career, has hosted a great podcast as well as a television analyst. His “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast is extremely popular with hockey fans, and he is a regular on the NHL coverage of TNT.
The incident has sparked more debate on the risks of intervening into explosive situations and one’s personal safety. Even though Bissonnette’s acts are indeed praiseworthy, what then emanates is the danger that can be associated with trying to help other people in distress.
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As Paul Bissonnette fights to regain his health, the Scottsdale Police Department continues its probe into this incident. The names of the arrested men are not released, but the case is expected to surface details over the next few days.
On that rare occasion, the life with Bissonnette reminds people of the unpredictability in such situations of conflict and the need to be cautious when stepping in to mediate such disputes. Despite the physical toll that he experienced, Bissonnette remains adamant that he would do exactly the same thing again if faced with similar circumstances.
