Geoff Molson released a statement today about the Montreal Canadiens’ decision to draft Logan Mailloux.
The Canadiens’ CEO also shared a three-step plan the organization will be helping Mailloux.
There were a lot of mixed feelings when the Canadiens drafted Mailloux in the first round. A lot of people were shocked and disappointed, to say the least, and Molson acknowledged that.
But what else was expected?
Some big sponsors also showed their discontent about the decision, and St-Hubert BBQ said they might even stop advertising with the Canadiens.
Here what the three-step plan that Molson shared looks like:
1- The organization will develop a plan to raise awareness and educate young people about “this serious issue,” which I’m assuming is sexual misconduct.
2- They will help Mailloux become a better person.
3- They asked Mailloux not to participate in the Canadiens’ rookie and main training camp in the fall, since “being a player in the NHL is a privilege that is earned – not a right that is granted.”
Molson also apologized to the fans they have let down, and thanking the sponsors for speaking out. He also said the organization is “there to support her (the victim) and her family and respect their privacy.”
But what does this mean?
There is still a lot to be addressed regarding this statement and the plan put in place to help Mailloux, and supposedly the victim and other young people.
How will the Canadiens help educate youth on sexual misconduct? How will they help Mailloux become a better person? And how will they “be there” for the victim and her family?
There are still a lot of unanswered questions, but all we can do is hope that they offer the victim and Mailloux some real support programs, and truly educate young people to prevent other cases of sexual misconduct.
There is no going back now, but if the Canadiens and Mailloux show that they truly want to help the victim, and that the young man works on becoming a better person, then there can be some talk about a second chance, because only actions will show if a second chance is deserved.