Ex-Blackhawks player won't take part in team's sexual abuse investigation

A former Chicago Blackhawks player, who alleges former video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted him, won't participate in the team's investigation into the matter, his lawyer Susan Loggans confirmed to TSN's Rick Westhead.

"The Blackhawks have been lying all along, denying in court documents that this sexual misconduct even took place, so why would we have any faith now in an investigation that has been paid for by the Blackhawks," Loggans said.

"Also, there is no assurance from anyone, not at the Blackhawks and not at the NHL, that the results of the team's investigation will be made public. ... Why would we bother to participate in an investigation that may ultimately be buried and hidden from public view?"

The unidentified player filed a lawsuit against Chicago in May, claiming Aldrich sexually assaulted him and a teammate during the 2009-10 season. Former Blackhawks associate coach John Torchetti recently confirmed to Westhead that the organization discussed the events. However, the Blackhawks never took matters to the police.

After Torchetti's confirmation, Chicago announced the hiring of a former federal prosecutor to lead a team-financed, independent review of the allegations 11 years after the incident.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league has spoken to the Blackhawks but isn't investigating the club at this point.