TAMPA, Fla. -- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league learned of the sexual assault allegations against former Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Brad Aldrich "relatively recently," and while it found them "concerning," he said it will wait until an independent review is complete before deciding on potential discipline.
"But my first reaction is, 'Tell me the facts," Bettman said at his annual pre-Stanley Cup Final news conference Monday. "Once we know what the facts are we're in a better position to evaluate what may or may not need to be done."
According to a lawsuit filed by an unidentified ex-Blackhawks player, Aldrich, a former video coach, sexually assaulted him and another player during the team's 2010 playoff run to the Stanley Cup title.