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The Chicago Blackhawks are on the hot seat following a bombshell report of a sexual assault investigation into the team from 2010. As a result, GM Stan Bowman has stepped down after two former players made allegations against an assistant coach at the time.
Stan Bowman has resigned from the Blackhawks.
— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) October 26, 2021
The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup that year and decided to keep the news internal for weeks. Several members of the organization who are now elsewhere, including former head coach Joel Quenneville, could face repercussions as well:
Investigation found Bowman, MacIsaac, McDonough, Jay Blunk, Kevin Cheveldayoff and Joel Quenneville and James Gary met in May 2010 to discuss Aldrich's alleged assault and took no action for 3 weeks.
One witness said the decision was left in McDonough's hands, Schar says.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) October 26, 2021
Brad Aldrich, the Blackhawks video coach, also sexually assaulted a 22-year-old intern after the team won the Stanley Cup. During those three weeks where Chicago kept the news a secret, he continued to work with them, despite the incidents.
Bowman, who was with the club since 2000, released this statement after stepping down:
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Here is the statement from Stan Bowman after he stepped down today following the Jenner and Block investigation. @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/MASYVWCuHh
— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) October 26, 2021
“Eleven years ago, while serving in my first year as general manager of the Blackhawks, I was made aware of potential inappropriate behavior by a then-video coach involving a player,” Bowman 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.
The NHL has also fined the Blackhawks after the bombshell:
The NHL has fined the Blackhawks $2 million for Inadequate Procedures and Mishandling of information related to the conduct of Brad Aldrich
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) October 26, 2021
This is definitely an awful look for the Chicago Blackhawks. CEO Danny Wirtz also announced that no member from the 2010 team will be with the organization any longer. Kyle Johnson will serve as the interim General Manager for the time being.
