A lot of you do not understand that a not guilty verdict simply means that the burden of proof was not met. It does not mean someone was found innocent. Also anyone who has survived sexual violence or been in the justice system knows what an uphill battle it is. What EM went through is well documented and even if it didn’t meet the burden of proof for rape, it was wrong and egregious behaviour, enough for Hockey Canada to try to cover it up, enough for those men to film not one but two “consent” videos, if you think any of that behaviour is ok or defensible I do not know what to say to you .
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The Vegas Golden Knights shut down Carter Hart’s media day availability when questions drifted towards his controversial acquittal. The team has been shielding Hart all season. Even before signing him, The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) had his credentials taken away and was forced to leave the team’s practice facility for “ambushing” Noah Hanafin when he simply asked him for his thoughts on the potential signing.
Supporters of Hart will claim that he should not have to field any questions regarding the topic because he testified in the trial. It is fair that Hart should not have to rehash any questions he faced in court, but it is disingenuous to suggest that no possible questions can be raised in the fallout since he took the stand.
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Here are four questions that were left unanswered that any self-respecting journalist would ask:
“You testified that Cal Foote was clothed during his party trick. Not a single other person claimed that under oath. On the contrary, Dillon Dube, Alex Formenton and Tyler Steenbergen all told Hockey Canada in 2022 that Foote was naked. Your testimony was specifically singled out by the judge in her explanation to acquit Foote. Why do you think your testimony contradicted the numerous confessions?”
“Your lawyer suggested that there was no reason for Brett Howden to perjure himself to protect former teammates he no longer plays with. The judge ultimately agreed. Do you find it ironic that you are now teammates again? And do you think the judge has any concept of how professional sports operates and the regularity of player movement?”
“Are you aware that the Golden Knights have been confiscating fan signs in opposing buildings, even if the signs have no mention of you or the trial? And do you think the team should prevent fans from expressing their feelings regarding your return despite Gary Bettman publicly saying that is their right?”
“After your acquittal, the league extended your already lengthy suspension. They called your behaviour ‘deeply troubling and unacceptable’, citing their own private investigation. The player’s association did not appeal on your behalf. Do you agree with the league’s decision?”
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Freedom of the press is the fundamental right of journalists to publish and investigate information without intimidation or undue restriction. The @GoldenKnights have shown that they do not believe in this concept. If they truly believe that the signing of Hart is defensible, they should be expected to actually defend it.