Blackhawks avoid responsibility in sexual assault scandal settlement
It's over... and aside from Bowman's resignation and having to cut a big check, what consequences have the Blackhawks faced?
HockeyFeed
According to multiple insider reports, lawyers for the Chicago Blackhawks have settled out of court with former draft pick Kyle Beach in the ongoing sexual assault scandal that has rocked the entire hockey world.
"The parties are please to announce that today's mediation resulted in a confidential settlement between the Blackhawks and Kyle Beach. The Blackhawks hope that this resolution will bring some measure of peace and closure for Mr. Beach. As for the Blackhawks organization, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that, going forward, this team will be a beacon for professionalism, respect and integrity in our community. We remain grateful for the trust and support of the Blackhawks community, and we promise to continue working every day to earn and maintain that trust."
- Chicago Blackhawks
While it's understandable that the terms are confidential, I'd LOOOOOOOOVE to know how much the Blackhawks were forced to pay as a result of this major, major, MAJOR scandal. Here's hoping that Mr. Beach got absolutely PAID.
Beach, of course, alleged earlier this year that he had been sexually assaulted in 2010 by then Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich. Further to that, Beach alleges that Blackhawks executive staff including GM Stan Bowman and head coach Joel Quenneville worked together to suppress Beach and essentially cover up things up. Both Bowman and Quenneville have been disgraced as a result of Beach's allegations after Beach bravely came forward and revealed his identity in a one on one interview with TSN reporter Rick Westhead.
From the Blackhawks' perspective, yesterday's announcement essentially put to rest a scandal that has rocked the organization for over a calendar year. But, from my perspective I'm not sure the team has truly atoned for their part in what should be the biggest scandal in sports over the past decade. Aside from forcing Bowman to resign and for cutting a check for Beach, what has the team done? Have they demonstrated that they've truly changed? Have they committed to prosecuting culpable individuals? Have they done literally anything other than open up their wallet?
Again, I'm happy for Beach and I hope that this bring him some level of closure, but personally I'd like to see the NHL hold the Blackhawks more accountable.
