Chris Simon suspended for three games

Simon is a native American, who honors his Ojibwa Tribe heritage with long hair and a tattoo.

"Such an incident, even though isolated, will not be tolerated," said NHL senior vice president and director of hockey operations Brian Burke. "While Mr. Simon's initiative in traveling to Toronto to apologize to Mr. Grier is commendable, his action warrants the discipline imposed. We want a clear message sent to our players and fans that this conduct is unacceptable and that every NHL player must be afforded respect and dignity."

Before receiving his punishment from the league Simon traveled to Toronto to apologize to Grier in person.

The two players met face to face at an airport hotel. Afterwards Grier seemed satisfied with Simon's apology.

"He said `I'm sorry' and I believe him, he had a very sincere look in his eye." Grier said. "It takes a stand-up person to come up here and handle it the way he did. I accept his apology."