Canadian Government Will Not Appeal Verdict in Hockey Players Case
London, Ontario – The Canadian government has decided not to appeal the court ruling that acquitted five former junior hockey players of sexual assault charges. This was confirmed by Daniel Brown, lawyer for Alex Formenton, one of the players involved in the case. Brown, through an email, informed that he had been notified of this decision on Thursday. The players cleared are Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote. McLeod was also cleared of a separate charge of being an accessory to sexual assault.Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia determined that the plaintiff’s testimony was neither credible nor reliable. Furthermore, she noted “concerning aspects” in the way the plaintiff presented some of her evidence about the 2018 encounter. The judge 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 failure, the NHL communicated that the players, none of whom are currently on an NHL roster or have an active contract, would remain ineligible to play in the league while the judge’s findings were reviewed. 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 (NHLPA) 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 “complete vindication,” while the plaintiff’s lawyer described it as devastating.
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