NHL players acquitted in 2018 sexual assault case continue to sit out pending internal review
Even after a court dismissed all criminal charges against Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton in a 2018 sexual assault case, the National Hockey League has decided to retain the five players suspended from playing.
The move by the league has triggered fresh tensions with the
NHL
Players Association regarding compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
NHL will not remove suspension from Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, and others even after acquittal
Michael McLeod (past member of the New Jersey Devils), Carter Hart (Philadelphia Flyers), Dillon Dube (Calgary Flames), Cal Foote (New Jersey Devils), and Alex Formenton were all acquitted on Thursday by Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia. The trial, surrounding charges of sexual assault at a 2018 Hockey Canada event, had held the Canadian public and the hockey universe in suspense for years.
What did NHL say?
But the National Hockey League said Friday that the players are still "ineligible" to take part in league activities as it considers the judge's findings. "The allegations made in this case, even if not determined to have been criminal, were very disturbing and the behavior at issue was unacceptable. We will be reviewing and considering the judge's findings. While we conduct that analysis and determine next steps, the players charged in this case are ineligible to play in the League.
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" the NHL said in a statement. The league affirmed it will make further disciplinary decisions after finishing its review.
Pro hockey players acquitted in Canadian sexual assault trial
Justice Carroccia found that the complainant's testimony was neither credible nor reliable and acquitted the five players. The judge commented on "troubling aspects" in her testimony, such as having indicated consent to have sex with the men.
Four of the five players were members of the NHL during charges in 2024. The broader case has had a lasting impact on Canadian hockey. A 2019 investigation by police initially closed without charges, but public pressure reignited interest. Reports revealed that Hockey Canada had settled with the woman using CAD 3.55 million from player registration fees, triggering a public outcry and the resignation of senior leadership.
Also read:
Canadian hockey players found not guilty in controversial sexual assault case after years
Although the criminal case is closed, the internal investigation by the NHL still hangs over the professional careers of the five players.
FAQs
What happened in the NHL sexual assault case?
Five Canadian ice hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman known as EM in a hotel room. They went on to play in the NHL before having the criminal charges brought against them in February 2024.
When did the assault happen?
June 2018
Where did the incident occur?
London
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