Chicago Blackhawks failed to investigate sexual harassment allegation, report says
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The Chicago Blackhawks released the findings of an independent investigation Tuesday that centered on "disturbing" sexual misconduct allegations dating back to 2010.
Driving the news: The report found that the team's senior management had "violated" the Blackhawks' own sexual harassment policy and failed to properly address sexual harassment and assault allegations.
- The NHL later announced it had fined the organization $2 million for its "inadequate internal procedures" and untimely response regarding former video coach Brad Aldrich's employment.
- The Chicago Blackhawks acknowledged their mishandling of sexual misconduct, saying they "did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents."
- Stan Bowman, the team's general manager who was one of the senior leaders cited in the investigation, announced his resignation following the release of the report.
Details: The investigation, which was conducted by former assistant U.S. attorney Reid Schar, centered on the statements of a player, referred to as John Doe in the report, who alleged that Aldrich had sexually assaulted him in the latter's apartment.
- Aldrich told investigators that the "encounter" was consensual, per the report, and denied sexually assaulting John Doe.
- The scope of the investigation was "broad and comprehensive," and it included the testimony of more than 1oo witnesses, according to the league.
What they're saying: "We deeply regret the harm caused to John Doe and the other individuals who were affected and the failure to promptly respond," the team said in a statement addressing the investigation.
- "What we do off the ice is equally as important as anything we do on it."
- "The team needs to focus on its future, and my continued participation would be a distraction," Bowman said in a statement.
- "I relied on the direction of my superior that he would take appropriate action. Looking back, now knowing he did not handle the matter promptly, I regret assuming he would do so," he added.
