What's going on with the Chicago Blackhawks?

(Photo via Al Podgorski/Sun-Times)

As all of our readers know, I am a Chicago Blackhawks fan. That being said, it wouldn’t be right for me not to address what’s going on with the team and organization right now.

For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, let me get you up to speed. A Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach was accused of sexually assaulting a former player during a 2010 playoff run, the year in which they won the first of their three in six years. To make matters worse, the organization released the coach, basically pointing to the fact that they knew in my opinion, and wrote him a lovely recommendation letter, so he could go coach at the University of Michigan. The coach, Bradley Aldrich, “was convicted in 2013 in Michigan of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a student and is now on the state’s registry of sex offenders,” according to an article from NBC Sports Chicago.

There has now been a lawsuit filed against the Blackhawks stating that the team knew or should have known about Aldrich’s actions against players. 

“The team has been accused of negligent supervision, negligent hiring and retention, willful and wanton conduct, strict liability and intentional infliction of emotional distress,” the article said. 

There will now be an internal investigation by a third party I believe, and there have been other former players speaking out saying, “talk to this player, this player, this player, they all knew.”

It seems that general manager, Stan Bowman, and other front office staff are complying with the investigation; although some members did refuse to answer questions about a meeting about the allegations 

My take? I am disappointed in the organization that I have looked up to and admired my whole life. To hide something like this and help him get another job is honestly embarrassing for them and shows horrible character all around. I am unsure what the NHL will do regarding the matter or what will come of the internal investigation, but I am sure that I do look at this organization differently. It isn’t something to take lightly that’s for sure.