Front Burner Breaking down the not guilty Hockey Canada decision
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Jul 25, 2025 Dan Robson, senior enterprise writer for The Athletic, dives into the not guilty verdict for five former Hockey Canada players in a landmark trial that spanned seven years. He discusses the courtroom drama, including how defense strategies challenged testimonies and the complexities of consent in Canadian law. Robson highlights the emotional weight of the ruling on both witnesses and the community, urging a broader conversation about sexual violence and accountability within sports culture.
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Allegations Stem from Group Incident
- The alleged incident involved multiple players sexually assaulting a woman after a consensual start to the night.
- This case highlights the complexity of consent and group dynamics in assault allegations.
Defense Argued EM Was Aggressive
- The defense argued that EM was a willing participant and initiated much of the sexual activity.
- They portrayed her as the aggressor while the players were shown as bashful and unsure.
Judge Found Complainant Not Credible
- The judge found EM's testimony full of gaps and inconsistencies and deemed her unreliable.
- Video evidence showed her voluntarily engaging in acts she claimed were forced, undermining her credibility.