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By Billie Schwab Dunn
Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter
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After the tragic death of Adam Johnson, a former NHL forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, hockey star Sean Avery shared his thoughts on the horrifying ordeal.
Johnson, 29, succumbed to his injuries after a "freak" incident in which his neck was cut by another player's skate during a game with his team, the Nottingham Panthers, against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday.
He fell to the ice following a collision with opposition player Matt Petgrave in the 35th minute of the game, in front of 8,000 spectators. He was then taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
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Former NHL player Sean Avery appeared on Fox News with host Jesse Watters on October 30. Avery said he believes Petgrave was "absolutely" trying to make contact with Johnson, but that he didn't wake up with the intention of "murdering somebody today."
Watters called Petgrave a "dirty player" and went as far as to suggest the kick was a "homicide," to which Avery asserted that although Petgrave didn't intend to kill Johnson, the kick looked intentional.
"Petgrave, the guy who kicked him, is a dirty player. He's a Canadian, and he was the most penalized player in the league last year," Watters said.
"The team called the play a freak accident, but English police are investigating what looks like a murder on the ice. To me, Sean, it looks like homicide."
Avery responded: "That's a pretty dangerous word to be throwing around. 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. Do I think he woke up and said I'm going to murder somebody today? No."
He continued by saying that the titanium-thin blades that are on players' skates should be reevaluated by the sport.
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Avery added: "I saw the hit...I saw the leg move. It shouldn't have been where it was. It's terrible. I can't even watch the video back."
Newsweek approached representatives for Avery and Watters for comment via email on Tuesday, and also contacted Petgrave by email through the Sheffield Steelers to discuss the incident.
The Panthers announced Johnson's death in the early hours of Sunday.
"The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night," the post said.
"The Panthers would like to send our thoughts to Adam's family, his partner and all his friends at this extremely difficult time," the statement said. "Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam's passing.
"Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today's news."
The Panthers described Johnson as "not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him."
South Yorkshire Police said it was continuing its investigation. It previously said in a statement to Newsweek: "Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing. We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our enquiries."
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