Terming it a huge mistake on their part, the Montreal Canadiens’ Geoff Molson last Wednesday addressed the controversy surrounding their choice of Mailloux in the last draft.
Molson stated Wednesday that he understands the concerns raised by those who are aggrieved by the team’s decision.
Mailloux, aged 18, was found guilty and fined in Sweden for his offensive photography that violated privacy and defamed a young woman after a sexual encounter. He snapped pictures without her permission and shared them with teammates. He was underage then.
Through a press statement, which was available to a few reporters, Molson stated that he takes full responsibility for their error in judgment.
However, the team isn’t planning to drop Mailloux, but outlined strategies they will employ in the coming days.
He stated that in the next few days, they will cooperate with local experts to come up with measures that will help them raise awareness on the issue of consent.
Mailloux offers apologies to the young woman and her family.
The team’s choice of Mailloux had attracted a lot of criticism from all quarters including the hockey space.
Prime Minister Trudeau stated last Tuesday that he is deeply dismayed by the team’s choice of Mailloux, while a number of the team’s sponsors said they are reviewing their partnerships with the team.
