Bowman bows out as USA hockey and Blackhawks' manager over alleged cover-up scandal

Colorado Springs, Colorado - Stan Bowman has stepped down as general manager of the 2022 US Olympic men's ice hockey team just 100 days before the start of the Beijing Winter Games, over a cover-up scandal that kept spiraling on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Stan Bowman stepped away from both the Blackhawks and USA Hockey after the release of a report into mishandling of alleged sexual misconduct within the Blackhawks organization.
On Tuesday, Stan Bowman stepped away from both the Blackhawks and USA Hockey after the release of a report into mishandling of alleged sexual misconduct within the Blackhawks organization.  © IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

Bowman (48) has also resigned from his positions as the general manager and president of hockey operations with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Both of Bowman's resignations took place within hours of one another – first from the Blackhawks, then from USA Hockey on Tuesday.

"In light of what's happened today, I think it's in the best interests of USA Hockey for me to step aside," Bowman said in a USA Hockey statement.

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Bowman was named Team USA general manager in March of this year.

The fallout comes in the wake of findings, released earlier on Tuesday, of an independent investigation into sexual misconduct allegations that Bowman and Blackhawks management may have mishandled in 2010.

The findings by law firm Jenner & Block were related to an anonymous former player's sexual misconduct claims against then video coach Brad Aldrich, who was employed by the Blackhawks.

Bowman was serving in his first year as general manager of the Blackhawks at the time the alleged incident and complaint took place.

The former player, referred to in the investigation as "John Doe," has an ongoing lawsuit against the team alleging negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Aldrich was accused of sexually assaulting Doe and another player during Chicago's 2010 Stanley Cup playoff run.

Bowman was part of a meeting of senior management on May 23, 2010, where the allegations were discussed, according to the investigation.

Bowman said he "promptly reported the matter to the then-President and CEO, who committed to handling the matter" when he was made aware of "potential inappropriate behavior."

Bowman also said he only learned the behavior involved a serious allegation of sexual assault this year, and that he "relied on the direction of my superior that he would take appropriate action."

According to the legal firm's report, no action was taken to address the issue until after the Blackhawks had won the Stanley Cup, over two weeks after the meeting.

Aldrich resigned from the Blackhawks on June 14, 2010 without an investigation.

More fallout from the investigation

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the Blackhawks would be slapped with a $2 million fine in wake of the allegations against Aldrich.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the Blackhawks would be slapped with a $2 million fine in wake of the allegations against Aldrich.  © imago/Icon SMI

In response to the new findings, the NHL fined the Blackhawks $2 million on Tuesday "for the organization's inadequate internal procedures and insufficient and untimely response in the handling of matters related to...Aldrich's employment with the Club and ultimate departure in 2010."

"Today's fine represents a direct and necessary response to the failure of the Club to follow up and address the 2010 incident in a timely and appropriate manner," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

The Blackhawks also issued a letter addressed to their fans.

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"It is clear the organization and its executives at that time did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents," the team wrote.

"We deeply regret the harm caused to John Doe and the other individuals who were affected, and the failure to promptly respond. As an organization, we extend our profound apologies to the individuals who suffered from these experiences."

Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin is currently the assistant general manager for the men's Olympic team. USA Hockey has yet to formerly announced Bowman's replacement.

Cover photo: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

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