Fan caught on camera attempting to bribe NHL official during live play review

The bizarre footage is currently making the rounds across social media, and it provides some legendary entertainment for hockey fans everywhere.

BarDown recently highlighted the viral clip from an older matchup between the New York Islanders and the San Jose Sharks that has seemingly slipped through the cracks. It perfectly captures the unpredictable nature of live sports.

During a tense stoppage in play, a brave fan seated directly beside the glass nearly the time-keeper's box decided to take the officiating into his own hands.

With the Islanders gripping a tight 2-1 lead in the second period, the action on the ice was paused for an official review. The stakes were definitely high for the home crowd in San Jose.

That is when this opportunistic ticket holder slid a crisp $100 bill right through the narrow camera opening in the boards.

He explicitly dangled the cash right in front of the on-ice official, seemingly hoping to sway the impending decision in his team's favor.

You have to respect the sheer audacity of trying to openly buy off a referee in a packed arena. Dropping a literal Benjamin Franklin through the glass sets a completely new standard.

It is not exactly common to see someone flash hard currency just to influence a minor penalty or a tight offside challenge. The creativity is off the charts.

The official, acting with absolute professionalism, barely even acknowledged the dangling money. He completely ignored the blatant bribe while keeping his focus entirely locked on the ongoing review.

Attempting to tip the referees is obviously against every regulation in the NHL rulebook, and the referee never would have taken a bribe like that knowing he's on camera. But the fans sitting in that lower bowl section were clearly getting a massive kick out of the harmless stunt.

Finding creative ways to heckle or interact with officials through the glass is a time-honored tradition in this league. Most fans usually settle for banging on the boards or screaming about a missed holding call.

Offering a direct cash payout for a favorable whistle is an entirely different level of crowd involvement. It might genuinely be one of the funniest things to ever happen in the front row.

While the $100 bill was ultimately rejected, the moment will live on in internet infamy. The Sharks and Islanders gave us an unforgettable viral memory that day.

Hockey fans never fail to surprise us with their passion and their wallets. This referee definitely missed out on an easy payday.