This article discusses sexual assault and may be triggering for some readers. The Kingston Sexual Assault Centre’s 24-hour crisis and support phone line can be reached at 613-544-6424 / 1-800-544-6424. The Centre’s online chat feature can be reached here. The Journal uses “survivor” to refer to those who have experienced sexual assault. We acknowledge this term is not universal.
It’s difficult to imagine Dillon Dubé’s “mental health” leave is anything but a cowardly coverup.
On Jan 30. police charged Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dubé—along with four other players from the 2018 Canadian World Junior team—with sexual assault. Three days before London police announced the charges, the Calgary Flames put out a statement notifying the public that Dubé would be taking an indefinite leave for mental health reasons.
The Flames have since claimed to have been unaware of Dubé’s pending criminal charges at the time his leave was granted. Though some had speculated the team ushered Dubé onto leave to protect themselves, the player requested time away himself.
Criminal defendants are entitled to mental health care. Dubé’s timing, though, is suspicious.
Hockey players on leave still get paid, meaning Dubé currently holds the privilege of pleading “not guilty” while on paid vacation. Going on leave grants him greater protection from public scrutiny in the face of the charges being levelled against him, while the NHL’s complacency has denied survivors justice or reparation.
The NHL is likely reluctant to pledge harsher disciplinary measures against players charged with sexual assault because of the number of players it would lose. Hockey Canada has a long history of covering claims of players’ sexual abuse and misconduct, using reserve funds and insurance money to do so.
Though the Calgary Flames can’t make a public statement about criminal charges against one of their players, the NHL owes the public an acknowledgement of the pervasive culture of sexual violence amongst all its players—which the organization hasn’t only allowed but validated.
Considering the otherworldly wage athletes earn yearly, it seems a fair trade to ask merely for their humanity in return.
The option of a mental health leave isn’t available to many. Dubé’s abuse of what would be a privilege for most people summarizes his cowardice and entitlement, especially if he is guilty.
—Journal Editorial Board
Tags
Dillon Dubé, NHL, sexual violence
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