Brian Bellmore, spokesperson for Maple Leafs Owner
Steve Stavro, met the press in Toronto yesterday and said
MLG management had "no moral obligation" to call police
after learning of accusations that a boy was sexually
assaulted at the facility, according to Mascoll & Brazao in
the TORONTO STAR. Bellmore: "We did everything legally we
had to do. Maple Leaf Gardens responded promptly ... We
dealt with it in what we thought was a proper way." Stavro
did not attend the press conference, with Bellmore and GM
Cliff Fletcher handling the duties (TORONTO STAR, 2/25).
The GLOBE & MAIL's Michael Grange notes after meeting
yesterday to begin an internal investigation into the
situation, MLG officials did express "sympathy for those who
may have been sexually abused" in the arena and announced
plans to make counselling available, but "stopped short" of
offering an apology or financial compensation to alleged
victims (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 2/25).
STAVRO A NO-GO: The GLOBE & MAIL's David Shoalts writes
Fletcher "once again was left to face an intense crowd of
reporters," as there was "no sign of" Stavro (GLOBE & MAIL,
2/25). The STAR's Dave Perkins criticized the team's
handling of the situation under the header, "Leaf Brass Have
Heads Firmly Stuck In The Sand." Perkins writes the Leafs
"have no clue whatsoever" (TORONTO STAR, 2/25).
