Stan Bowman, president of hockey operations for the Chicago Blackhawks, resigned Tuesday following the release of an investigation’s findings related to the NHL team’s handling of sexual assault allegations.
With the departure of Bowman and Senior Director of Hockey Administration Al MacIsaac, the last executive present for the 2010 Stanley Cup-winning team are gone from the organization in the wake of accusations that Brad Aldrich, the team’s video coach at the time, sexually assaulted team personnel during the campaign, according to an ESPN report.
The NHL announced it would fine the Blackhawks roughly $2 million for the “organization’s inadequate internal procedures and insufficient and untimely response in the handling of matters related to former video coach Brad Aldrich’s employment with the Club and ultimate departure in 2010.”
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Half that amount will aid victims of sexual violence and different manners of abuse, according to the report.
Aldrich is accused of sexually assaulting an unnamed player, “John Doe,” within the Blackhawks during the team’s 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs run, according to a lawsuit filed in May.
The organization named an independent law firm, Jenner & Block, to perform an investigation in June.
The details of its findings were released to the public on Tuesday.
“It is clear the organization and its executives at that time did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents,” the Blackhawks said in a statement following their release. “We deeply regret the harm caused to John Doe and the other individuals who were affected and the failure to promptly respond.”
The inquiry was led by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Schar, who said 139 individuals were interviewed, including Aldrich and Doe, during the investigation.
Aldrich and Doe both admitted to an encounter occurring on May 8 or 9 in 2010, according to the findings. While Aldrich said the encounter was consensual, Doe said the encounter was non-consensual.
The investigation also found that Aldrich made sexual advances toward a 22-year-old intern with the organization after the Blackhawks had been made aware of the first allegations against him.
“As an organization, we extend our profound apologies to the individuals who suffered from these experiences,” the organization’s statement read. “We must — and will — do better.”
In 2013, Aldrich was convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a Michigan high school student and was sentenced to 14 months in prison and five years probation in 2014. ESPN says he is listed in the Michigan sex offender registry.
Upon his resignation, Bowman released a statement that listed his regrets and his wish not to be a distraction to the organization’s future.
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“Eleven years ago, while serving in my first year as general manager, I was made aware of potential inappropriate behavior by a then-video coach involving a player,” he said. “I promptly reported the matter to the then-President and CEO who committed to handling the matter. I learned this year that the inappropriate behavior involved a serious allegation of sexual assault. 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.”
