So you've stated that you are against fighting but think this is okay...Very interesting homerism.
If Rielly didn't like what he did he should have just challenged to a fight. Instead he did a cowardly thing.
For the record..As Ridly was doing his thing I was yelling at the screen ''don't do that''. I'm not a fan of showing your opponent up.
Fights are going to happen. The fighting that I really hate is the staged fight where the combatants know in advance that they're going to go at it.
If a fight breaks out in the heat of the moment or it is an act of passion, it's understandable. It happens in real life as well. Goons is a different story. Hated the big, bad Bruins, the Flyers, Probert, Domi etc.
So Rielly's actions were egregious, but it was a spontaneous reaction in the heat of the moment. If someone assaulted your child would you wag your finger at them or would you leap into action physically, not really caring how much force you used? I know the situations aren't perfectly analogous but I think you get the drift. Rielly respects and admires the Leaf brand. He showed pride.
If he gets a couple of games, it will be deserved, but he sent a message to his teammates. This is obviously the TSN Turning Point for the Leafs' season. Plan the parade.