Gary Bettman rules on the future of 2018 World Junior players who were found Not Guilty Full story 👇

⚖️ Legal Outcome

Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia acquitted all five individuals of sexual assault charges stemming from a June 2018 incident in London, Ontario.

She ruled that the Crown had failed to meet its burden of proof, deeming the complainant’s testimony not “credible or reliable.” The charges were dismissed as there was insufficient evidence .

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🏒 NHL & Commissioner Bettman’s Position

Despite the not-guilty verdict, Bettman and the NHL declared that the players remain ineligible to play in the league until a formal league review is completed. The NHL described the behavior in question as “unacceptable,” even absent criminal convictions .

Bettman emphasized that the NHL will “review and consider” the judge’s findings before making any reinstatement decisions .

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🤝 NHLPA (Players’ Union) Response

The NHL Players’ Association strongly objected, arguing that declaring the players ineligible before a full league investigation contradicts the procedures in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The NHLPA stated that, having been acquitted, the players “should now have the opportunity to return to work” and be allowed to play immediately .

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🔍 Possible Outcomes & Precedents

1. Internal League Review

The NHL is conducting its own investigation into the incident, separate from the criminal proceedings. This must conclude before any reinstatement decisions are made .

2. Appeal or Arbitration

Dispute resolution may take place through mechanisms outlined in the CBA, possibly involving arbitration between NHL and NHLPA representatives.

3. Team-Level Decisions

Even if cleared by the NHL, individual teams will weigh public optics, sponsorships, community relations, and reputational risk before signing or re-signing any of the players .

4. Past NHL Reinstatements

The league has previously reinstated individuals linked to sexual misconduct controversies—such as Stan Bowman and Joel Quenneville—after bans, suggesting similar avenues may exist for these players, depending on NHL outcomes .

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📝 Summary Table

Aspect Status

Legal Verdict All five players acquitted; no guilt found under Ontario law
NHL Eligibility Players currently ineligible pending NHL review
NHLPA Position Players should be immediately reinstated per CBA
Reinstatement Process Conditional on NHL’s internal findings and potential arbitration
Team-Level Decisions Vary based on public perception, sponsor risk, team discretion
Precedents Exist NHL previously reinstated figures post-controversy

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In short, Gary Bettman’s ruling does not terminate the players’ NHL careers—but it places them on indefinite hold. Their return hinges on the outcome of the NHL’s internal review, alignment (or dispute) with the CBA, and the willingness of individual teams to sign them amid reputational concerns.