Corey Perry apologized to the Chicago Blackhawks and his fans for “inappropriate behavior,” two days after the team placed him on unconditional waivers in a move toward terminating his contract.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees and my teammates. I would also like to apologize to my fans and my family. I am embarrassed and let you all down,” Perry, 38, he began his statement on Thursday.
Blackhawks cut Corey Perry for ‘unacceptable’ behavior, dismiss ‘disgusting’ social media rumors
The Canadian winger joined the team in June after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning. In their announcement, they shared that Perry signed a one-year, $4 million salary cap deal.
Corey Perry at the Bell Center on October 14, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Minas Panagiotakis/Getty
Although his statement did not detail his “actions”, he referred to “speculation and rumours”.
“I am sickened by the impact this has had on others and want to make it clear that this situation in no way involved any of my teammates or their families. Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who were negatively impacted and I am sorry “I am sorry for the additional impact on others. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong,” he added.
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Corey Perry during the game on November 18, 2023 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Perry expressed that he was “deeply sorry” and had begun “working with mental health and substance abuse professionals to discuss my struggles with alcohol.”
“I will take all necessary steps to ensure this never happens again. I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career,” the statement read.
In a statement from the Blackhawks about Perry’s removal from the team, they announced that an internal investigation determined that he “behaved in an unacceptable manner and violated the terms of his standard player contract and internal Blackhawks policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments.”
In a press conference televised by NBC Sports Chicago, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said he “will not be able to release any details related to the initial report, investigation or findings” because it is a “personal matter.” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“However, I want to be very clear on this one point: this does not involve the players or their families, and anything that suggests otherwise or anyone who suggests otherwise is grossly inaccurate, and frankly disgusting,” Davidson added.
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