Former NHL enforcer and popular sports media personality Paul Bissonnette was hospitalized after being attacked by seven men at a Scottsdale, Arizona, restaurant last night.
Per Jessica Johnson of FOX 10 Phoenix, Paul Bissonnette was attacked during an altercation outside of Houston’s restaurant in Scottsdale. Scottsdale Police Sgt. Allison Sempsis said in a statement that “BizNasty” was assaulted and hospitalized after trying to diffuse a situation at the venue:
“There was an altercation inside the restaurant with six adult men and the management. Reportedly, Paul Bissonnette tried to help management calm the men and get them to leave. The situation escalated to the men assaulting Paul Bissonnette both inside and outside of the restaurant.”
Bissonette was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, per Johnson. Six men were subsequently arrested and face assault and disorderly conduct charges. Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy shared a conversation he had with Bissonnette, who told him that the assault featured seven men:
Paul Bissonnette is one of the most followed and recognized figures in NHL media. He and former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney co-host Barstool Sports’ “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, and Biznasty is also an analyst for the “NHL on TNT.”
Here’s hoping that Paul Bissonette has a safe and speedy recovery from the injuries he suffered. He’s a trooper for courageously taking on seven hooligans all by himself.
Paul Bissonnette Played In 202 NHL Games
The 39-year-old Bissonnette was drafted 121st overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2003, the same year they drafted future Hall of Fame goalie Marc-Andre Fleury with the No. 1 selection.
He appeared in 15 games for Pittsburgh during the 2008-09 season before landing with the Phoenix Coyotes. Bissonnette appeared in 187 games over five years with the Coyotes, tallying seven goals and 14 assists.
