The National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety has fined the Chicago Blackhawks $2 million for their conduct in the case of Scott Niedermayer, a former Blackhawks defenseman. “The manner in which the league handled this matter was unacceptable and inexcusable,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “The allegations of sexual misconduct were serious, troubling and disappointing.” Niedermayer, who once skated alongside Patrick Kane and has since worked as an assistant coach for the Montreal Canadiens, was accused of sexual assault in February 2010, and still faces an investigation by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, but the NHL fined the Blackhawks for their “use of force and intimidation” when faced with the filing of the complaint. “Mr. Niedermayer was never criminally charged with any crime, and at the NHL’s request has since left the game of hockey to focus on family and other responsibilities,” Bettman added. “Although he won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks, he has never competed in the NHL, and for the good of the game he agrees to waive any right to any amount of damages or any other fees.” Niedermayer’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and a representative for the Blackhawks did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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