VANCOUVER, British Columbia _ Blackhawks assistant coach Marc Crawford returned to the team Thursday after serving a one-month suspension for incidents of physically and verbally abusing former players that occurred over a decade ago.
The Hawks suspended Crawford on Dec. 2 to investigate the allegations. They announced two weeks later he would be reinstated on Jan. 2.
In a statement released following the completion of last month's investigation, the Hawks said they had done a "thorough review" of the allegations and "engaged with Marc's former players, colleagues, and executive management."
Crawford admitted to the allegations and said he had been undergoing therapy for the last decade to help him change his behavior. The Hawks said Crawford would be required to continue counseling as part of his reinstatement.
The allegations against Crawford first became public in 2016 when Patrick O'Sullivan published a book _ "Breaking Away: A Harrowing True Story of Resilience, Courage, and Triumph" _ that alleged Crawford was verbally and physically abusive toward him and others, allegedly using homophobic slurs while they were both with the Kings.
Brent Sopel, a former Hawk, alleged during a podcast last year that Crawford "kicked me, he choked me, he grabbed the back of my jersey and just pulling it back." Crawford coached Sopel while both were with the Canucks.
In an interview with the New York Post last month, Avery said Crawford kicked him so hard it left a mark when both were with the Kings.
"I used unacceptable language and conduct toward players in hopes of motivating them, and, sometimes went too far," Crawford wrote last month in a statement. "As I deeply regret this behavior, I have worked hard over the last decade to improve both myself and my coaching style."
