Blackhawks suspend Marc Crawford until January after review of conduct
Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Marc Crawford will remain suspended from team activities until Jan. 2, 2020, following a club-initiated review in response to allegations of past misconduct, the team announced Monday.
"I used unacceptable language and conduct toward players in hopes of motivating them, and, sometimes went too far," Crawford acknowledged Monday. "As I deeply regret this behavior, I have worked hard over the last decade to improve both myself and my coaching style."
The 58-year-old added he's made sincere efforts to address his inappropriate conduct with the individuals involved and has regularly undergone counseling over the last decade.
Crawford will resume his assistant coaching duties at the end of his suspension as long as he continues to comply with his contractual obligations and the team's expectations. He'll also remain in counseling, according to the team.
The Blackhawks began looking into the former NHL head coach on Dec. 2 after several players accused Crawford of inappropriate behavior.
In late November, Sean Avery said Crawford kicked him during a game while the two were with the Los Angeles Kings in 2006.
Over a year ago, Brent Sopel accused Crawford of physical and verbal abuse during their time with the Vancouver Canucks. Daniel Carcillo shared those allegations on Dec. 2, prompting Sopel to downplay them and defend Crawford's coaching ability on Dec. 5.
The veteran bench boss joined Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton's staff in June after spending three years with the Ottawa Senators.