Canadian Government Will Not Appeal Verdict in Hockey Players Case
The Canadian government has decided not to appeal the acquittal verdict in the sexual assault case involving five former junior hockey players, according to the lawyer for one of the accused. Daniel Brown, legal representative of Alex Formenton, confirmed via email that he had been informed about the decision not to file an appeal. Formenton, along with Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote, were cleared of sexual assault charges. McLeod was also cleared of a separate charge of being an accessory to the crime of sexual assault.Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found that the plaintiff’s testimony was neither credible nor reliable. Furthermore, she noted “troubling aspects” in the way the plaintiff presented some of her evidence regarding the 2018 encounter. The judge also indicated that the plaintiff tended to blame others for the inconsistencies in her account and exaggerated her level of intoxication that night. At the time of the ruling, the NHL stated that the players, none of whom are currently part of an NHL roster or have an active contract, remained ineligible to play in the league while it reviewed the judge’s findings. The league added in a statement that the allegations in the case were disturbing, even if they were not determined to be criminal. The NHL Players’ Association stated that the five players should have the opportunity to return to the ice, adding that the league’s decision on eligibility was “inconsistent” with disciplinary procedures in the collective bargaining agreement.The defense called the ruling a “resounding vindication,” while the plaintiff’s lawyer described it as devastating.
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