Halifax Thunderbirds player cited for assault, suspended after incident in Colorado

A Halifax Thunderbirds player has been cited for assault by authorities in Denver after he got into an altercation with fans following a National Lacrosse League loss to the Colorado Mammoth last weekend.

Video shows Tyson Bell throwing a punch at a fan as he leaves the floor at the end of the game. He also takes a swing at a fan with his lacrosse stick before some of his teammates pull him away.

The Denver Police Department report alleges Bell struck a victim in the face, causing minor injury. The 30-year-old from St. Catharines, Ont., is scheduled to be in court on Jan. 22.

The Thunderbirds, losers of three straight games to start the season, announced Thursday that Bell had been suspended, but provided no additional details. A spokesperson for the team declined an interview request. 

The National Lacrosse League says it is investigating the incident. 

"[This] is not really something that happens in pro sports, ever, and when it does, it tends to be a very, very big deal," said Dan Arestia, a lacrosse journalist based in Connecticut. 

Arestia said Bell is a "fiery player" who often bears the brunt of insults hurled from the stands. 

"What he did is inexcusable," Arestia said. "But he's never done something like that before. So you kind of wonder about what was the whole situation there." 

'Is it a culture thing?' 

Arestia said the Bell incident comes a year after another Halifax player attempted to climb out of the penalty box to confront a fan.

"It kind of leaves you wondering what's going on with this team then? Is it a locker-room thing? Is it a culture thing?" 

The Thunderbirds are back in action Saturday night at home against the Albany Firewolves.