Farjestad BK Reverses Course on Cal Foote Signing Amid Public Scrutiny
Swedish Hockey League club Farjestad BK reversed course on a roster addition, announcing it would not proceed with signing defenceman Cal Foote. According to a club statement translated from Swedish by Sportsnet using Google tools, the team acknowledged public scrutiny surrounding the player before determining that the situation had escalated to a level that impacts individuals within and around the organization in a way officials cannot ignore.
The Roster Reversal and Timeline
The swift reversal occurred just two days after Farjestad BK initially announced that Foote would join the team on a one-year deal. In its revised statement issued on a Thursday, the club noted that developments during the intervening days made the signing untenable for the organization’s community. Foote spent the previous season playing in the American Hockey League with the Chicago Wolves.
Context of the Acquittal and NHL Reinstatement
Cal Foote was one of five former Hockey Canada players acquitted of sexual assault charges following a trial last summer in London, Ontario. The charges stemmed from a 2018 incident that occurred while the players were celebrating a gold-medal victory at the world juniors. Alongside Foote, players Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, and Dillon Dube were also acquitted. Following the legal proceedings, all five players were reinstated by the National Hockey League and cleared to return to play as of December 1.
Did You Know?
Cal Foote played the previous season with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL after the NHL reinstated all five players involved in the 2018 world junior team investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Farjestad BK cancel the signing of Cal Foote?
Farjestad BK stated that developments in the days following their initial announcement showed the situation had reached a scale affecting people in and around the club in a way management could not ignore.
Which players were involved in the 2018 Hockey Canada trial?
The players acquitted of sexual assault charges in London, Ontario, last summer were Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, and Dillon Dube.
When were the players reinstated to professional hockey?
All five players were reinstated and allowed to return to the NHL as of December 1, following their acquittals.
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