Akim Aliu criticizes the NHL for recent decision to lift suspensions

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Tom Banks
July 3, 2024 (8:53 PM)

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The NHL recently made the decision to reinstate Stan Bowman, Joel Quenneville and Al McIsaac, and Gary Bettman has been met with major backlash.

After two and a half years out of the NHL after serious misconduct, the NHL recently announced that the trio of Bowman, Quenneville and McIsaac are all officially reinstated and may return to the NHL at any point.

"While it is clear that, at the time, their responses were unacceptable, each of these three individuals (Messrs. Bowman, Maclsaac and Quenneville) has acknowledged that and used his time away from the game to engage in activities which, not only demonstrate sincere remorse for what happened, but also evidence greater awareness of the responsibilities that all NHL personnel have, particularly personnel who are in positions of leadership. Moreover, each has made significant strides in personal improvement by participating in myriad programs, many of which focused on the imperative of responding in effective and meaningful ways to address alleged acts. The League expects that they will continue this commitment in any future capacity with the NHL and/or one of our Clubs."

On top of the lack of punishment for the Blackhawks, people are unsurprisingly upset about this decision from Gary Bettman, but no one more so than Akim Aliu, a professional hockey player that continues to champion social justice in the game of hockey. In a recent post on social media, he was quick to voice his displeasure with this decision from the league;

Cover up that in order to win a championship, sit out 2 and a half years and you're welcomed back into the league with open arms. There are honest mistakes and there are malicious acts. Being part of the highest level of sports in your field is a privilege and actions like this should preclude you from ever being part that again. NHL leadership was and continuous to be a complete farce.

Given the disgusting and horrific nature of the coverup perpetrated by these three and the Blackhawks organization, none should ever be allowed near the NHL again, so while Gary Bettman has made some good moves for the league, this is one that simply shouldn't have been allowed to happen.

Source: MarkerZone
Akim Aliu harshly calls out the NHL and Gary Bettman for controversial decision