Ex-NHL referee Tim Peel calls out LeBron James for controversial fan interaction in Paris

Ex-NHL official Tim Peel had some choice words for NBA star LeBron James, following an incident at the 2024 Paris Olympics involving a young fan.

Team USA captured the gold medal in men’s basketball after defeating hosts France 98-87. The star-studded American team led by Steph Curry registered a successful Olympics campaign by taking home the gold.

However, a controversial fan interaction between James and a fan seeking a picture with the basketball great became viral as the player was seen telling the fan to “stop, stop, stop.” Then, James was captured breaking into a dance move while entering a venue.

Amid this incident, Tim Peel reacted:

“You would never see a hockey player do this!”

Tim Peel’s comments underscore the unpleasant feelings the incident caused. Meanwhile, fan reactions echoe Peel’s remarks, criticizing the basketball star for his behavior.

With the prospect of NHL players taking part in the 2026 Winter Olympics, this incident should serve as a cautionary tale for NHLers interacting with fans. While players are entitled to their space and privacy, it’s important to note that fans just want to capture an unforgettable moment with their heroes.

Hopefully, NHL players can learn from this incident and avoid criticism on social media.

---

Tim Peel is no stranger to controversy

Tim Peel has a history of causing a stir on social media. In 2023, he got into a public spat with Sportsnet’s Mark Spector over what Peel had described as an “idiotic question” aimed at Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.

Following a 5-3 Oilers loss to the Florida Panthers in November 2023, Spector asked McDavid:

“Are you better off to try to win this thing 4-1 or try to win it 7-5?”

The question prompted Tim Peel to tweet the following criticism:

“This is what happens when you call out an Edmonton reporter for asking Connor McDavid if he’d rather win 4-1. An idiotic question, of course, they would. This is why some players don’t want to play in Canada. Connor played his a** off tonight!”

The comments came on the heels of Frank Seravalli’s remarks blasting Peel for posting private messages between Peel and Spector.

Seravalli pointed out Peel’s checkered past, which includes being dismissed by the NHL for calling penalties, just because he “wanted to.” The infamous hot mic incident forced the league to take drastic action to preserve the “integrity of the game.”

Additionally, Peel has been accused of berating young players. Furthermore, Seravalli linked a piece by The Athletic that exposed Peel’s alleged behavior. For the time being, it seems that Peel plans to remain active on social media, attempting to draw attention in any way he can.