Scottsdale police have released surveillance footage showing a violent altercation involving former NHL player and Barstool Sports podcaster Paul Bissonnette and six men at a Houston’s restaurant on November 24. The fight, which spilled into a nearby CVS parking lot, left Bissonnette hospitalized and all six men facing criminal charges.
The Incident Unfolds
In the video, Bissonnette, 39, is shirtless and being pursued through the parking lot by a group of men. The footage captures the moment when several individuals gang up on him, punching and kicking him as he lies on the ground. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Bissonnette manages to escape the attack.
Bissonnette later took to social media to address the incident, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“This is the worst of it I took after I knock out that inbred William Carroll f–k before we pass the dumpster. It was never going to be a fair fight. Let the games begin. Ate some boot f–ks to the head & jaw but wouldn’t change a thing. F–k the Scottsdale Six. This ain’t over.”
Police Arrest and Charges
Following the brawl, Scottsdale police arrested six men identified as Henry Mesker, John Carroll, William Carroll, Danny Bradley, Edward Jennings, and Sean Daley. Mugshots released on November 26 show some of the suspects with visible bruises on their faces.
All six men face assault charges, with some receiving additional charges of disorderly conduct, according to court documents obtained by TMZ Sports. One of the suspects, Sean Daley, 29, was also charged with felony possession of a forged instrument after police discovered a fraudulent military ID on him during the arrest. Daley is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
Bissonnette’s Account
The former NHL enforcer shared his side of the story on Barstool Sports’ Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, as well as in a video on social media. Bissonnette claimed the altercation began when he intervened to protect restaurant staff from being harassed by the group.
“I go to that Houston’s three or four times a week,” Bissonnette said. “It’s one of my favorite spots. I saw these guys getting physical with the staff, and I felt the need to step in.”
He described how the situation quickly escalated:
“I said, ‘Sir, if you continue to harass and assault this staff, we’re going to have problems.’ And then they just started chucking.”
Bissonnette explained that the fight left him with several injuries, including kicks to the neck and head, and added that his shirt was ripped off and his shoes were lost in the scuffle.
RELATED: One Alleged Assailant of Paul Bissonnette Carried Fake Military ID During Arrest
A Pattern of Behavior
The six men involved in the attack were reportedly linked to another altercation at the nearby Raven Golf Club earlier that same day. Social media footage shared by Shea Stevens showed the group engaging in a separate dispute at the golf course.
Bissonnette alluded to the incident on his podcast, saying, “It was a bunch of drunk golfers, and things obviously continued to escalate.”
Seeking Justice
Bissonnette expressed his determination to hold the group accountable, vowing to seek legal and personal recourse.
“This ain’t over,” he declared on social media, signaling his intent to take action against the men involved.
A Former Enforcer’s Courage
As a former NHL enforcer known for his toughness on the ice, Bissonnette’s willingness to step into harm’s way to protect others isn’t surprising to those familiar with his career. However, the brutal nature of the attack and the overwhelming odds he faced have sparked concern and outrage among fans and followers.
The Road Ahead
The Scottsdale Police Department continues to investigate the incident, while the legal proceedings against the six men move forward. As for Bissonnette, his public statements suggest that he remains undeterred, using his platform to call attention to the assault and advocate for accountability.
This incident underscores the challenges of maintaining composure in the face of aggression—and the risks of intervening to protect others.
For Bissonnette, a figure accustomed to physical confrontation, this fight was unlike any he faced on the ice.
