Corey Perry, a seasoned NHL forward and Stanley Cup champion, issued an apology on Thursday for what he acknowledged as “inappropriate behavior” that led to his release from the Chicago Blackhawks.
“I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career.”
The Blackhawks had revealed on Tuesday that Perry’s actions were deemed “unacceptable” and in violation of both his Standard Player’s Contract and the team’s internal policies aimed at fostering professional and safe work environments.
In his statement, Perry expressed sincere apologies to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and teammates.
He also extended apologies to his fans and family, expressing embarrassment and acknowledging that he had let everyone down. Perry clarified that the situation did not involve any of his teammates or their families.
Acknowledging the speculation and rumors surrounding his actions, Perry expressed being “sickened” by the impact it had on others. He explicitly stated that his behavior was inappropriate and wrong. Additionally, Perry revealed his intention to seek professional help to address his “struggles with alcohol” and committed to taking necessary steps to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Perry emphasized a direct apology to those negatively affected, expressing sorrow for the additional impact on others. He hopes to regain the trust and respect of those who have supported him throughout his career. The statement also mentioned that CNN reached out to the Blackhawks and the NHLPA for comments.
Perry’s tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks lasted only five months, marked by a one-year deal in July. During this time, he played in 16 games, scoring four goals and assisting on five others.
The 38-year-old unexpectedly became a healthy scratch for the November 22 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, described by head coach Luke Richardson as an “organizational decision.”
Following an internal investigation, Perry was waived by the Blackhawks on Tuesday, with the team expressing the intent to terminate his contract immediately if he clears waivers. Perry, who has an extensive NHL career with 1,273 games and 421 career goals, won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.
Leave a Reply