Bettman: “Let’s see what investigation reveals” on Blackhawks coach’s alleged sexual assault

TAMPA, Fla. — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman urged due process in the investigation that is set to unfold on allegations of sexual assault levied against former Chicago Blackhawks video coach Bradley Aldrich by an unnamed Blackhawks player in a lawsuit.

The allegations against Aldrich, and the Blackhawks’ alleged mishandling of Aldrich’s separation from the team in 2010, took center stage at Bettman’s annual State of the League press conference prior to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday night.

Bettman said the NHL learned of the allegations, which were alleged to have occurred during the 2009-10 season, “relatively recently,” but did not provide a specific time frame.

”What we know is what’s based on what’s public,” Bettman said. “These are allegations. When we get all the information, we will do what is necessary and appropriate.”

Earlier on Monday, an internal Blackhawks communication leaked that the team hired outside firm Jenner & Block LLP to conduct an “independent investigation.” It will be conducted by former federal prosecutor Reid Schar and Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz said Schar has the green light to “follow the facts wherever they lead.”

Bettman did not specifically say why the league did not spearhead or begin its own internal investigation, outside of the purview of the firm the Blackhawks hired. The NHL has launched three separate investigations for improper conduct over the last two calendar years, including ones on former Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon’s alleged use of racial slurs, the Arizona Coyotes’ improper physical testing of draft prospects, and one that is still outstanding on former Calgary Flames coach Bill Peters and his alleged use of racial slurs in 2010 while coach of the AHL’s Rockford Ice Hogs.

“This is obviously a matter of litigation,” Bettman said. “We will await the findings from the independent investigation … and then decide what, if anything, needs to be done from our standpoint.”

Bettman said “all options are available if there’s something that warrants punishment.” He said any time allegations like that are heard, it’s “concerning,” but his first reaction is: “Tell me the facts.”

“Let us see what the investigation reveals, and then we can figure out what comes next,” Bettman said. “I think everyone is jumping too far, too fast. This is going to be handled appropriately and professionally, and done right.”

In a May 7 lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court, an unnamed former player claimed Aldrich assaulted him and that the team did nothing after he informed a team employee.

The suit claims Aldrich “turned on porn and began to masturbate in front of” the player without his consent. It says Aldrich also threatened to “physically, financially and emotionally” hurt the player if he “did not engage in sexual activity” with him. The player claimed to have informed another member of the coaching staff. Former Blackhawks skills coach Paul Vincent came forward recently, in a report by TSN, and said he was called into a meeting with then-Blackhawks president John McDonough, general manager Stan Bowman and assistant general manager Al MacIssac, and asked team brass to file a police report on Aldrich with Chicago’s sex crimes unit, but that his request was denied.

A separate suit filed on May 26 by an unnamed Michigan man alleged the Blackhawks provided “positive references” for Aldrich when he separated from the team following the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs. Aldrich went on to be convicted in 2013 in Michigan of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a student and served nine months in jail.

-Frank Seravalli
President of Hockey Content