Colorado Avalanche television announcer John Kelly suggested that Barnaby faked an injury after being hit by Alexei Gusarov with 27 seconds left in Thursday's 4-3 loss in Denver.

Brooks had to be restrained by security from going after Kelly, and launched into an obscenity-laced tirade directed at Kelly. On Saturday the league suspended Brooks indefinitely, with a hearing set for next week.

"It's just ridiculous," Barnaby said prior to Pittsburgh's game against the Nashville Predators. "Mostly I've heard Gusarov gets two games for what he did, intent to injure, and Herbie gets what he does. He gets suspended indefinitely for standing up for one of his players."

In a statement, Brooks said he felt bad that he could not be included in Saturday's game.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "I have a responsibility to the organization . . . What happened was an emotional moment in response to something that happened. I don't want to rationalize my actions, because I realize one has to take responsibility for one's actions."

Barnaby sustained concussion-like symptoms after the hit and was out for Saturday's game and likely at least one more. He has already missed 12 games this season with a strained knee and concussion.

"I took exception to the disparaging remark made about one of our players," said Brooks, who replaced Kevin Constantine as head coach Dec. 9. "I guess I stood up for the players and the team in the wrong manner. I fully realize two wrongs don't make a right."

Barnaby, on the other hand, feels that his new coach can do no wrong.

"It's huge," Barnaby said of Brooks' defense of him. "I've only had loyalty for one other man the same way, (ex-Buffalo coach) Ted Nolan. That's a guy I would have gone through the wall for.

"Herbie's the same way. Any coach that sticks up for a player like that after hearing comments is pretty respectful."

Barnaby said he didn't really know what happened when Gusarov hit him.

"I just remember going for the puck and getting hit from behind," he said.

Pittsburgh assistant general manager/assistant coach Ed Johnston took Brooks' place behind the bench against Nashville.