Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman stepped down on Tuesday. A direct consequence of the independent investigative report commissioned by the team, which found he was part of the group of executives failing to respond adequately to allegations that a player was sexually assaulted by video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010.
Last June, the Blackhawks organization gave the Jenner & Block firm a mandate to conduct an independent investigation after two lawsuits were filed against it. The first by a player (called John Doe) who played with the organization in 2010 and who claims to have been sexually assaulted by Aldrich. The second by a former Aldrich, Michigan student.
The law firm today concludes that the Hawks’ headquarters were aware of Aldrich’s actions, but that no action was taken to assist the victims.
In a press conference on Tuesday, former prosecutor Reid Schar, who was commissioned to lead the investigation, recounted the main information that has been accumulated over the past four months to come to this conclusion.
Minutes after the conference, Stan Bowman said in a written statement that he had made the decision to step aside so as not to be a “distraction” for the team.
Bowman was in his first year as General Manager at the material time. He indicates that he informed the then president of the situation, who would have assured him that he was dealing with it.
“I learned this year that the inappropriate behavior involved a serious allegation of sexual assault. I relied on the direction of my superior to take the appropriate action. Looking back, knowing now that he didn’t deal with the matter quickly, I regret that I assumed he would. ”
The National League also announced Tuesday that the team had been fined $ 2 million for its “inadequate and insufficient internal procedures” in the case. Half of this amount, or $ 1 million, will be donated to local organizations that help victims of sexual assault and other forms of abuse.
“This fine is a direct and necessary response to the failure of the club, which failed to properly resolve the 2010 incident,” said Commissioner Gary Bettman. And that response must send a clear message to all clubs and NHL staff that inappropriate acts must be dealt with as quickly as possible. ”
The story
The independent firm’s investigation report, delivered to the general staff on Monday, was made public following the press conference. Blackhawks president and CEO Danny Wirtz said he was “both disturbing and difficult to read.”
A total of 139 witnesses were interviewed in the wake of the investigation: former and current players of the Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs – the team affiliated with the Hawks in the American League -, members of the management as well as individuals involved, either Brad Aldrich and the player featured as “John Doe” in the report.
According to facts recounted by investigator Reid Schar, John Doe claims to have been sexually assaulted by Aldrich in May 2010.
At the time, team president John McDonough, president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac, executive vice president Jay Blunk, and assistant general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff reportedly met with coach Joel Quenneville and mental trainer Jim Gary to discuss the allegations.
According to what Schar reported, their memories “vary significantly.”
“What is clear is that after being made aware of Aldrich’s alleged sexual assault and misconduct with a player, no action was taken for three weeks,” he added.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the report “makes it clear that senior management’s handling of the alleged incident included a failure to inform the Blackhawks owners of it, both what was alleged and how it was processed ”.
Bettman added that he would not immediately pass judgment on Quenneville and Cheveldayoff, and that he plans to meet with them about their roles in the case.
Bowman also resigned as general manager of the U.S. men’s hockey team, which he held in preparation for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.
As for the Hawks, Kyle Davidson, assistant general manager, will act as general manager. It was also announced that no leader who was in office in 2010 will stay with the organization.
In the evening, Winnipeg Jets manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who was an assistant general manager with the Blackhawks in 2010, wrote on Twitter that he had said everything he knew and continued to cooperate with the NHL. .
A letter to the fans
The Blackhawks issued a “letter” to their supporters, partners and community following the press conference on Tuesday. “It is obvious that the organization and its leaders at the time did not live up to our own standards or values in the management of these disturbing incidents, one can read among other things. We deeply regret the harm done to John Doe and others affected and the lack of a swift response. As an organization, we offer our sincere apologies to those who suffered from these experiences. We must and will do better. ”
With text by Jay Cohen and Stephen Whyno, Associated Press