Katie Strang: Hockey Canada Verdict, Gary Bettman, CTE & Systemic Hockey Issues

The Athletic's investigative reporter Katie Strang joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for an unflinching discussion of hockey's unseemly side. Six weeks before training camps open, the July 24, 2024 London Ontario trial concluded with five former NHL players found not guilty of sexual assault. Katie explains the circus-like proceedings, two discharged juries, inadmissible evidence, and split public opinion. From her personal connection to the Larry Nassar case to scrutinizing junior hockey's billeting system, Gary Bettman's eligibility decisions without codified policies, NHLPA labor battles, and the media's responsibility covering systemic abuse. Plus insights on CTE, concussions, Kevin Lowe's brain injury, and why loving hockey means holding it to higher standards.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Welcome: Pulling Back the Curtain - hockey's unseemly side July 24, 2024 London trial

[01:00] - Katie Strang: investigative writer with The Athletic, top of class with Rick Westhead

[02:00] - Rick Westhead: dogged journalist exposing underbelly of sports, dear friend

[03:00] - Investigative journalism not initial career plan: Athletic empowered pursuit

[04:00] - Larry Nassar case: purpose-driven work, indelibly imprinting personally and professionally

[05:00] - Personal connection: competitive gymnast, coach went to jail for sexual abuse

[06:00] - Michigan State: knew victims, attended court every day, heavy difficult assignment

[07:00] - Processing toll: supportive husband gives grace, kids' joy providing perspective

[08:00] - Wanting world safer for kids: every story like potentially my children in crosshairs

[09:00] - July 24, 2024: five players found not guilty by Justice Maria Caria

[10:00] - Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart acquitted

[11:00] - Witness "EM" found not reliable or credible after 2018 World Junior incident

[12:00] - Circus from start: most generous interpretation of how trial went

[13:00] - Two juries discharged: deeply problematic, offensive, upsetting

[14:00] - Juror misconduct allegations against defense counsel not tested with rigor

[15:00] - Both juries dismissed: treated jurors disrespectfully after entrusting them

[16:00] - Escalated concerns kind of dismissed when warned to report any issues

[17:00] - First mistrial set tone: bizarro developments almost every day

[18:00] - One hour timeframe: someone arrested for recording with smart glasses

[19:00] - Public observer explodes on reporter, banned from premises same hour

[20:00] - Delays with tech, AC, clocks: weird mundane things derailing justice

[21:00] - Strange experience: lives at stake but technical issues constant

[22:00] - Bench trial after juries discharged: public opinion very split on verdict

[23:00] - Acquitted of criminal wrongdoing: crown didn't meet burden beyond reasonable doubt

[24:00] - Moral component: what happened in hotel room, power dynamics at play

[25:00] - Inadmissible evidence: people not constrained by court parameters considering

[26:00] - Neil: disgusting even for former pro/junior/college player, cringe-inducing

[27:00] - Words Katie had to write, actions taken by young lady, things done by players

[28:00] - Players knew better than going to hotel room: stained for life

[29:00] - Victim "EM" initials only: five names public, what happens from here?

[30:00] - Pre-verdict speculation: would any play again? Not surprised by acquittals

[31:00] - Evidence ruled admissible/inadmissible: judge ruled for defense on every matter

[32:00] - Katie not interested in "will they play again" conversation in her work

[33:00] - Missing important step: NHL and Gary Bettman weighing in on eligibility

[34:00] - Bettman immediately after decision: players not eligible, incredibly wide...