Winnipeg Hockey Player Benched After Parents Launch Defamation Lawsuit
A young hockey player in Winnipeg found himself sidelined for his team’s season finale after his parents filed a defamation lawsuit against a South Winnipeg Hockey Association (SWHA) board member. The legal action stems from an email the board member allegedly sent to 17 families, which the parents claim contained defamatory and untrue statements, damaging their reputation.
Defamation Lawsuit Leads to Player Suspension
The lawsuit alleges that the email, sent in December, included claims of inappropriate language and threats made by the parents, who served as assistant coach and co-manager, towards another coach after a game. According to the email, interviews with families present at the incident led to the removal of the parents from their team roles.
Hockey Association Cites Policy Violation
The SWHA responded by suspending both parents and their child, citing a Hockey Manitoba by-law. According to the association, filing a lawsuit before exhausting internal appeal processes constitutes a violation, leading to indefinite suspension from hockey activities.
Parents Claim Son is Being Used as a Pawn
“It’s heartbreaking on so many levels,” said one of the parents. “It’s not even about hockey. Every child deserves to do what they want to do and none of them should ever be penalized and be used as a pawn.” The parents deny the allegations and claim they simply confronted the coach about “benching the kids” and yelling at them, without using inappropriate language or making threats.
Legal Ramifications and Future of Player Unclear
The parents’ lawyer argues that the lawsuit does not constitute an appeal of a decision, but rather addresses alleged defamatory remarks, making the appeal process needless. The couple seeks an apology and damages for an undetermined amount. With Hockey winnipeg and Hockey Manitoba declining to comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings,the young player’s immediate future in hockey remains uncertain,leaving the family considering a move to a diffrent association.
how might this situation impact the young hockey player’s future participation in the sport, and what options are available to the family?
Winnipeg Hockey Player Benched After Parents Launch Defamation Lawsuit
A young hockey player in Winnipeg found himself sidelined for his team’s season finale after his parents filed a defamation lawsuit against a South Winnipeg Hockey Association (SWHA) board member. The legal action stems from an email the board member allegedly sent to 17 families, which the parents claim contained defamatory and untrue statements, damaging their reputation.
Defamation Lawsuit Leads to Player Suspension
The lawsuit alleges that the email, sent in December, included claims of inappropriate language and threats made by the parents, who served as assistant coach and co-manager, towards another coach after a game. According to the email, interviews with families present at the incident led to the removal of the parents from their team roles.
Hockey Association Cites Policy violation
The SWHA responded by suspending both parents and their child, citing a Hockey Manitoba by-law. According to the association, filing a lawsuit before exhausting internal appeal processes constitutes a violation, leading to indefinite suspension from hockey activities.
Parents Claim Son is Being Used as a Pawn
“It’s heartbreaking on so many levels,” said one of the parents.”It’s not even about hockey. Every child deserves to do what they want to do and none of them should ever be penalized and be used as a pawn.” The parents deny the allegations and claim they simply confronted the coach about “benching the kids” and yelling at them, without using inappropriate language or making threats.
legal Ramifications and Future of Player Unclear
The parents’ lawyer argues that the lawsuit does not constitute an appeal of a decision, but rather addresses alleged defamatory remarks, making the appeal process needless. The couple seeks an apology and damages for an undetermined amount. With Hockey winnipeg and Hockey Manitoba declining to comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings,the young player’s immediate future in hockey remains uncertain,leaving the family considering a move to a diffrent association.
Q&A: Winnipeg Hockey Lawsuit
Q: Why was the hockey player suspended?
A: The player was suspended because his parents filed a defamation lawsuit against a SWHA board member without first going thru the association’s internal appeal process, violating Hockey Manitoba by-laws.
Q: What is defamation?
A: Defamation involves making false statements that harm someone’s reputation. it can be either libel (written) or slander (spoken). If the parents can prove the email contained false and damaging information, they might win their case.
Q: What are the parents claiming happened?
A: The parents claim the email contained untrue statements about their conduct, damaging their reputation. They also deny using inappropriate language or making threats, stating they only confronted the coach about how the kids where treated.
Q: What is the next step for the family?
A: The family is considering moving to a different hockey association. The outcome of the lawsuit will likely determine whether the player can return to hockey with the SWHA.
Q: Can a player be suspended for their parents’ actions?
A: Yes, hockey associations frequently enough have policies that hold players accountable for their parents’ behavior, especially if it violates association rules or codes of conduct.This highlights the importance of parents understanding and adhering to the rules.
Q: What is the meaning of exhausting internal appeal processes?
A: Exhausting internal appeal processes is frequently enough a requirement before resorting to legal action.This allows organizations to resolve disputes internally, perhaps saving time and money for all parties involved.
The future of this young hockey player is uncertain, illustrating the profound impact parental actions can have on their children’s participation in sports.Stay informed about your association’s policies to avoid similar situations!
