Investigation Launched on Parents Paying For Their Kids to be Drafted

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Sky
March 29, 2023 (10:36)

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TSN's Rick Westhead is set to release a new report on Wednesday, revealing that the OHL Commissioner, David Branch, has confirmed that the league hired an investigator to look into allegations that some hockey parents paid for their sons' selection in the 2022 OHL draft. The report includes statements from three coaches of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) who claim to have evidence, including text messages, that suggest parents paid over $30,000 to secure their sons' selection.

This latest scandal could have far-reaching consequences as it raises the possibility that such practices may be more widespread, and could result in hockey in the OHL being considered 'pay to play.' Branch has yet to address questions about the investigator's identity, the extent of the investigation, its duration, or the amount paid to the investigator by the OHL, leaving many questions unanswered. The ramifications of this report could be significant, and it remains to be seen how the league will respond to these allegations.

David Branch statement:
"Last year we conducted an independent third-party investigation into the allegations that you mention and could find no evidence of any team tampering with the draft nor teams acting in a manner prejudicial to the welfare of the League... I would ask that . the people you have spoken to, please provide it to the League and we will review it and determine if further investigation is required"