Former referee rips into Leah Hextall for disrespecting Wayne Simmonds during interview

Hextall: I was privy to your conversation in between the benches with Pat Maroon. I know you guys have a history and have dropped the mitts before. He called you soft. My question is are you?

Simmonds: You should ask him. We've never dropped the gloves. He's never obliged me before.

I will take a lot of heat for this but I am a big boy. Leah Hextall doesn't even know they have not fought before. Asking Wayne Simmons's if he is soft might be one of the most ridiculous questions I have ever heard. Do your homework.

Tim, the fact was told to me in the moment by our team who is almost always right! As a retired official, you should understand mistakes can be made. No issue with you not liking the question - your opinion. I do take exception to you questioning my preparation & work ethic.

I've interviewed Wayne many times. I know he isn't soft - he knows he isn't soft - we're creating a narrative which played into the game and having some wait for it FUN!