OHL suspends GM and Head Coach of Niagara Ice Dogs over comments made during a WhatsApp conversation.
The General Manager and the Head Coach of the Niagara Ice Dogs have been suspended indefinitely.
In a release, the Ontario Hockey League says Joey and Billy Burke were suspended following an investigation into a March 6th WhatsApp conversation.
The OHL says comments made violate the league's policy on harassment, abuse and diversity.
The pair, along with the team, have been fined a total of $150,000.
Joey and Billy Burke, who are also minority team owners, won't be able to apply for reinstatement until June 1st, 2024.
At that point, the Commissioner will assess whether the pair have completed counselling and education in order to ensure there won't be more violations of the OHL's rules, policies or expected conduct.
The league didn't provide any details of what was in the transcripts of the conversations, but noted " it is the position of the League that their conduct is prejudicial to the welfare of the OHL as it violates the Leagues’ Harassment & Abuse / Diversity Policy and also runs counter to the OHL’s Onside program which emphasizes the importance of demonstrating respect for women through actions and words."
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