Corey Perry Releases Statement, Admits to Inappropriate Behavior

Per the release yesterday (via Elliote Friedman, @FriedgeHNIC, and can be read at www.sportsnet.ca) Corey Perry states that;

""I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees and my teammates. I would also like to apologize to my fans and my family. I am embarrassed, and I have let you all down."

"As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumors. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this situation involve any of my teammates or their families. Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who have been negatively affected, and I am sorry for the additional impact to others it has created. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong." 

""I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol, and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again. I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career."

"Once again, I am deeply sorry." ~ Corey Perry

My take: It is a positive step forward to actually hear from Corey Perry or his camp of advisors. I gleaned from the statement that an appeal of the termination is unlikely and that the PA will now take this as an admittance of guilt (righful termination). While they still have up to 60 days to file, this statement is a step in the direction of an official parting of this incident for the Chicago Blackhawks.

While the actual details of what he did to an employee (s) or bystander (s) while intoxicated will likely now never be discussed in the public, it is at least out there in his own words that he was indeed at fault. The fact that not only Kyle Davidson and now Perry had to "clear" any rumors out there is ridiculous and shows the sheer force that social media can have on anyone. If anything, I hope those that engaged in such behavior now realize the error of their ways.

All this and on a night with a goalie-goal no less (Tristian Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins).

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