Sportsnet’s Jim Hughson finally apologizes for ‘inappropriate’ Matthews take on disorderly conduct

​Many were waiting for this apology, which came late!

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HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Sportsnet’s Jim Hughson finally apologizes for ‘inappropriate’ Matthews take on disorderly conduct
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During the Toronto Maple Leafs’ season opener, which was the first game of the calendar across the league, Sportsnet broadcaster Jim Hughson angered some hockey fans by making light ofAuston Matthews‘ disorderly conduct charge.

As you remember, a complaint was filed this summer by a female security guard employed by a condo building where Matthews is a resident. The complainant said she was sitting in her locked car around 2 a.m. on May 26 doing paperwork when a group of men, including someone she identified as Matthews, tried to jiggle the handle and enter the car. Matthews allegedly dropped his pants and grabbed his butt cheeks before leaving the scene. She said he kept his underwear on. None of the allegations have been proven in court. Matthews was not arrested.

During the Leafs’ opening night game against the Ottawa Senators , Hughson called the incident an “alleged indiscretion” before comparing Matthews’ situation to Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Kane’s off-ice issues.

“When I thought about that, I looked back to 2012 and thought about Patrick Kane, 24-year-old for the Chicago Blackhawks, got into a little trouble with too many cameras around in Wisconsin that summer,” said Hughson, referencing photographs of Kane intoxicated on the University of Wisconsin campus five years into his career. “And what did he do? He came back and was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner and won the Stanley Cup [in 2013].

“And that’s how you put a little problem behind you,” Hughson continued.

It did not take long for fans to accuse Hughson of minimizing the Matthews incident while claiming that on-ice success could eclipse off-ice problems for players in the NHL. 

It took quite a bit of time for Hughson to apologize but it did so on Wednesday night, during a nationally televised Leafs game against the Washington Capitals. 

“Fans, on a recent broadcast, I made some comments about Auston Matthews and his legal situation over the summer. And after some reflection, the comments were in my opinion inappropriate, but I take responsibility and I want to apologize,” he said.

There is a lot of respect for Hughson, who is considered one of the most respected broadcasters in Canada as the lead voice on “Hockey Night In Canada” broadcasts. 

In 2019, the Hockey Hall of Fame announced that Hughson would be awarded the annual Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, honoring outstanding contributions by a hockey broadcaster.

Fans will be happy to see he apologized for this incident. 

Source: Sportsnet