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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Former coach apologizes to men he 'liked the most'
Tom Andrich / The Canadian Press Graham James in court Wednesday. (CP)
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THE apology read by Graham James at his sentencing hearing in Winnipeg on Wednesday:
"When I was younger, like most people, I imagined how my life would turn out, where I might be in 10, 20 or 30 years. I suspect that, like most, I was wrong. The one thing I would have been certain of back then was that I would not be appearing in front of a judge having pled guilty to a crime.
"Given the esteem in which I held my friends, it would have been even more unbelievable to imagine that the reason I would be standing here was because I betrayed the confidence of some or any of them. Yet here I stand.
"I stand before you with regret, a word which has been described as insight that comes one day too late. I also stand before you to apologize. I apologize to the Canadian hockey public whose interest in the national game should be found in celebration, not trouble like what I've caused.
"I apologize to the institution of hockey, which I once belonged to, to the many good people who work only for the betterment of the sport and those under their care, an institution which found itself under a spotlight that my actions switched on.
"I apologize to the people and the fans in the communities where I coached, especially those who worked with me -- the executive, the management, the scouts, the other coaches and trainers. The innocent people who were asked questions with unknowable answers.
"I apologize to the players that I coached and the parents that sent them. The players came for hockey -- to learn, to strive, to improve and to give their all to win. Those goals merited my undivided attention. In some cases, it wasn't given. Parents expected their sons to be safe. Not all were.
"I apologize to the parents and the families of those most personally affected. I knew you. I liked you and I abused the trust you put in me. The fault is mine alone.
"Finally, and most importantly, I apologize to Theoren Fleury and to Todd Holt, against whom I have offended. I wanted the best for you but I did not give you my best. In not doing so, I've caused you pain and confusion. My actions forfeited our friendship. It is sad irony that it is you being among the persons I liked the most, today like me the least.
"For my behaviour and my actions, the conduct that brings us to this court today, I am deeply sorry. I was wrong. Thank you."
-- The Canadian Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 23, 2012 A3
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