TSN’s Sawyer apologizes over plastic-wrap remarks

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This article was published 21/01/2020 (2059 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RALEIGH — Kevin Sawyer has finally broken his silence, explaining a major misunderstanding that was caused by his own on-air blunder, then inexplicably allowed to fester for more than two weeks.

The former player turned NHL broadcaster used his platform on Tuesday night’s Winnipeg Jets telecast to clarify some eyebrow-raising remarks he made during a Jan. 4 game that caused a firestorm on social media.

“Favourite story of Jared Spurgeon,” Sawyer said on the previous TSN 3 broadcast, when the Winnipeg Jets were playing a matinee against Spurgeon’s Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. “He was a 15-year-old. Two months into the season we Saran-Wrapped him to a pillar in the arena, about six feet up in the air. He was tiny. He looked like he was 12.”

Many had accused Sawyer of abusing his position as an assistant coach with the Spokane Chiefs and being guilty of a hazing incident against Spurgeon, who was a star player with the Western Hockey League club.

But as the Free Press revealed last Saturday — and Sawyer has now confirmed in his own words Tuesday — what actually happened was quite different. The problem was in how Sawyer haphazardly shared the story, creating the impression he was directly involved.

“I’ve spent considerable time reflecting on my comments over the past couple of weeks and I was insensitive in sharing a story that was inaccurate and should never have been told on television in the first place. I was, in fact, unaware and had nothing to do with the 16th birthday recognition until we sang Happy Birthday to Jared who appeared happy in that moment. At that time I did not view it as a negative, harmful or demeaning in any way. Rather, a celebration of an extremely popular and well-liked teammate,” Sawyer began off the top of the broadcast in speaking with play-by-play announcer Dennis Beyak.

“I understand that times have changed a lot over the past 15 years and for the better. This is certainly something I would never allow if I was coaching in the game today. I myself am the father of two teenaged children and I understand completely how important it is for our kids to feel safe when they are in the care of others. My comments were unprofessional, insensitive and may have sent the wrong message. And for that I want to sincerely apologize to you, our viewers. And for that I am truly sorry.”

Spurgeon has declined a request made through the Wild to speak about the matter.

Sawyer’s silence created the impression there was something to hide, and his absence from the past three TSN3 broadcasts only fuelled the fire. In fact, it was a regularly-scheduled week off, with Ray Ferraro working all three Jets homes games last week, as he does when his busy schedule allows.

However, Sawyer was not allowed to initially address the issue, as his employer (Bell Media) advised him to hold off even as damage was clearly being done to his reputation. As well, it wasn’t just anonymous folks on Twitter weighing in. Former NHLer Daniel Carcillo, who has helped lead the charge for improved mental health care for players, Tweeted about it to his nearly 100,000 followers. Akim Aliu, who was the victim of a racist tirade from ex-coach Bill Peters, condemned Sawyer.

YOUNG STARS TO SHINE OUT WEST

The Jets will once again participate in the 2020 Young Stars Classic, a tournament in Penticton, B.C., featuring the top prospects of the NHL’s four teams from Western Canada.

The Jets, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks will ice teams at the tournament, set for Friday, Sept. 11 to Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Winnipeg had participated several times in the Classic, but last fall the organization opted to play in a rookie tournament in Belleville, Ont., against prospects from the Montreal Canadians and Ottawa Senators.

The roster included Manitoba Moose goalie Mikhail Berdin, defenceman Ville Heinola and forwards Kristian Vesalainen, David Gustafsson and Joona Luoto.

This fall, the Jets will play the Canucks on Sept. 11, the Flames on Sept. 12 and the Oilers on Sept. 15.

Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @mikemcintyrewpg