ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The Washington Capitals on Friday placed Brendan Leipsic on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract after he made disparaging comments about women and teammates in a private social media chat.
In a conversation involving his brother and Florida Panthers minor leaguer Jack Rodewald, Leipsic commented on the physical appearances of Vancouver forward Tanner Pearson's wife and Edmonton captain Connor McDavid's girlfriend. He also called Capitals linemates Garnet Hathaway and Nick Dowd losers.
Screenshots of the conversation were leaked Wednesday, and a team spokesman said the matter would be handled internally. The NHL called it "inexcusable conduct" and said it would address the matter with the Capitals and Panthers.
"The National Hockey League strongly condemns the misogynistic and reprehensible remarks made by players Brendan Leipsic and Jack Rodewald in a private group chat that has surfaced on social media," the league said in a statement. "There is no place in our league for such statements, attitudes and behavior, no matter the forum."
Leipsic apologized, saying a friend's Instagram account was hacked and taking responsibility for his comments.
"I fully recognize how inappropriate and offensive these comments are and sincerely apologize to everyone for my actions," Leipsic said. "I am committed to learning from this and becoming a better person by taking time to determine how to move forward in an accountable, meaningful way. I am truly sorry."
The 25-year-old was in his first season with Washington, his sixth NHL organization since being drafted in 2012. He had three goals and eight assists in 61 games.
But Leipsic also hadn't scored in 35 games and became the odd man out when the Capitals acquired winger Ilya Kovalchuk at the trade deadline. His one-year contract worth $700,000 was set to expire at the end of this season.
Agent Craig Oster did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment whether Leipsic would file a grievance over the contract termination through the NHL Players' Association.
The University of Manitoba Bisons kicked Leipsic's brother Jeremy off the team Thursday in the aftermath of the conversation. Rodewald played in the American Hockey League this season.
(© Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Capitals Cut Ties With Leipsic After Disparaging Comments
/ CBS Baltimore
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The Washington Capitals on Friday placed Brendan Leipsic on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract after he made disparaging comments about women and teammates in a private social media chat.
In a conversation involving his brother and Florida Panthers minor leaguer Jack Rodewald, Leipsic commented on the physical appearances of Vancouver forward Tanner Pearson's wife and Edmonton captain Connor McDavid's girlfriend. He also called Capitals linemates Garnet Hathaway and Nick Dowd losers.
Screenshots of the conversation were leaked Wednesday, and a team spokesman said the matter would be handled internally. The NHL called it "inexcusable conduct" and said it would address the matter with the Capitals and Panthers.
"The National Hockey League strongly condemns the misogynistic and reprehensible remarks made by players Brendan Leipsic and Jack Rodewald in a private group chat that has surfaced on social media," the league said in a statement. "There is no place in our league for such statements, attitudes and behavior, no matter the forum."
Leipsic apologized, saying a friend's Instagram account was hacked and taking responsibility for his comments.
"I fully recognize how inappropriate and offensive these comments are and sincerely apologize to everyone for my actions," Leipsic said. "I am committed to learning from this and becoming a better person by taking time to determine how to move forward in an accountable, meaningful way. I am truly sorry."
The 25-year-old was in his first season with Washington, his sixth NHL organization since being drafted in 2012. He had three goals and eight assists in 61 games.
But Leipsic also hadn't scored in 35 games and became the odd man out when the Capitals acquired winger Ilya Kovalchuk at the trade deadline. His one-year contract worth $700,000 was set to expire at the end of this season.
Agent Craig Oster did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment whether Leipsic would file a grievance over the contract termination through the NHL Players' Association.
The University of Manitoba Bisons kicked Leipsic's brother Jeremy off the team Thursday in the aftermath of the conversation. Rodewald played in the American Hockey League this season.
(© Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
In:
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Baltimore
Frank Nazar scores OT power-play goal as Blackhawks beat Utah Mammoth 3-2
Detroit Lions reportedly lose Anzalone and Robertson, acquire 2 players
Trump order cutting ties with Anthropic likely coming this week, sources say
76ers All-Star Tyrese Maxey sidelined at least 3 weeks with finger tendon injury
Nico Sturm knows what' needed of him as Wild enters home stretch
Trey Hendrickson heading to Baltimore Ravens on 4-year, $112 million deal
Eagles lose Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship in NFL free agency
Heiskanen scores in overtime to push the Stars past the Blackhawks, 4-3