A bad look: Two NHL officials under investigation
PUBLICATION
O. EngMarch 26, 2022 (9:11)
It's been reported yesterday that two former NHL officials are now under investigation by the league for the use of sexual and sexist behaviour. Rick Westhead broke the story on TSN.
David Walkowiak and James Watkins, were two off ice officials working games in Tampa Bay for the NHL filed for a wrongful dismissal lawsuit after overhearing a colleague of their make racist remarks to the NHL's African-American players and Sonya Bryson-Kirksey, a US veteran who sang the national anthem at Lightning games at Amalie Arena.
In the article by Westhead reads the following,
"They allege in their wrongful dismissal lawsuit that both were fired on Feb. 27, 2020. Watkins had worked for the NHL since 1998 while Walkowiak was hired in September 2005."
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The pair argued that upon hearing of these remarks, they notified Ron Brace, the league's crew chief in Tampa, who failed to take action.
"Walkowiak and Watkins claim that Watkins also reported DeLorenzo's alleged behavior to the NHL HR Vice-President Patrice Distler and Katherine Watson, an NHL lawyer, in December 2019. Watkins alleged he told the NHL executives that there was video evidence of DeLorenzo's alleged racist statements."
Per reports, the two were worried that they may be fired for reporting the incidents. The league has since fired Di Lorenzo and Brace and has provided to the courts six recordings exemplifying the racist behaviour.
"The NHL fired Brace and DeLorenzo on Jan. 2, 2020. Walkowiak and Watkins were fired on Feb. 27, 2020, for allegedly being involved in a group text message thread of DeLorenzo's years earlier."
In a statement prepared by NHL lawyer Emily Chase-Sosnoff, the league maintained that the two were fired subsequently for making homophobic and racist remarks in a group-chat prior to the main investigation.
The NHL needs to admit that it has festered a culture of indifference and disinterest regarding sexual and racial issues within the league and sport. They need to take more steps in the direction of healing and support.
Credit:TSN
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