The situation revolving around the Chicago Blackhawks and their forward Corey Perry has been worthy of its own time in the penalty box.
Rumors started swirling when Corey Perry, a veteran hockey player and former MVP, was categorized as a “healthy scratch” during a game last week. More information came out after the fact that it was an organizational decision, and that he would be away from the team for the foreseeable future.
That got many fans speculating as to why Perry would be taken out of the lineup, and one rumor caught on like wildfire. Though it has since been debunked, (and I’d argue that nobody actually thought it was true) social media perpetuated the rumor that Corey Perry had been dismissed because he slept with his teammate Connor Bedard’s mother.
The team’s initial statement didn’t necessarily clear that rumor up (made it worse, to be honest), though it did lay out the reasoning for his dismissal to be something far more serious:
“After an internal investigation, the Chicago Blackhawks have determined that that Corey Perry has engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation of both the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments.
As such, Corey Perry has been places on unconditional waivers. In the event that Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract, effective immediately.”
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson then addressed the media and formally squashed the rumor, calling it “wildly inaccurate and frankly disgusting.”
Perry, who had signed a one year, $4 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks this summer (which has since been terminated), finally broke his silence on the matter when he released a statement earlier today.
In his long apology, Perry pointed towards substance abuse and mental health issues (and not a relationship with a teammate’s mother) as to why he was dismissed by the Blackhawks. It’s still unclear what the issue was exactly, however, it’s been reported that there was some kind of drunken outburst a Blackhawks event that included corporate sponsors and team staffers.
His statement reads:
“I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates. I would also like to apologize to my fans, and my family. I am embarrassed and I have let you all down.
As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumors. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this situation involve any of my teammates or their families.
Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who have been negatively affected and I am sorry for the additional impact to others it has created. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong.
This commentary from Dean Blundell was particularly insightful… best of luck to Corey Perry going forward, and you hope he can get the treatment he needs to turn it around:
“Rock bottom comes in many forms for men and women with Mental Health and subsequent alcohol issues. In many ways, this is the first day of Corey Perry’s new life.
I commend his courage to be honest with himself. Anyone can quit. Courage is asking for help.”
