TSN: 2 teammates independently corroborate Akim Aliu's allegations against Peters

[GullFoss]

Remember when Bill Peters called out Eddie Lack in a completely unprofessional way? Remember when commodore trashed bill Peters, just like he did Mike Babcock?

Bill Peters is probably not a good guy and should be fired

[Northendzone]

So what if an investigation suggests this was a one off comment? Then what, aplogize and move on?

How many times woulda person have to use the n bomb before they are considered racist?

[Slanter]

Is there not a pathway here where he can admit his mistakes, explain how he's changed (or changing) and offer a heart felt apology? Maybe take a leave of absence?

I'm on board with society calling out these sorts of actions, even from the past. But if we're going to do that, our aim should be to change people, not just cast them out, no?

I guess I'm just surprised at the number of people in this thread that think this has to cost him his job.

[KPJ]

Treliving referred to the press as "you people" twice in his scrum. The jokes are referencing Don Cherry using "you people" to refer to immigrants not buy poppies.

[GullFoss]

I think with

1) all the stories about Babcock being a terrible person coming out.

2) And how Commodore called Peters a Babcock wannabee with his mannerisms and "tools" to motivate .

3) And the whispers around how no players in Carolina were sad to see Peters go.

4) And what Peters did to Eddie Lack

5) and what Akim Aliu is saying about Peters

6) and looking at how Johnny and many other players like Brodie and Janko and Frolik haven't even checked in this season. And many other players like Backlund are struggling

Give me a good reason not to axe him? I see a whole lot of smoke. A whole lot.

[zamler]

Originally Posted by Slanter

Is there not a pathway here where he can admit his mistakes, explain how he's changed (or changing) and offer a heart felt apology? Maybe take a leave of absence?

I'm on board with society calling out these sorts of actions, even from the past. But if we're going to do that, our aim should be to change people, not just cast them out, no?

I guess I'm just surprised at the number of people in this thread that think this has to cost him his job.

Easy, barely an inconvenience. Blame your white privilege say you didn't realize the impact apologize and all is forgiven.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by zamler

Easy, barely an inconvenience. Blame your white privilege say you didn't realize the impact apologize and all is forgiven.

highly doubt it

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Krynn

like many of you said there's no place for racism in Hockey or The NHL .I'd like to know why he didn't come forward early.im sorry but if it was any other player said this I would believe him more then Akim Aliu .Akim like to play the race card when he was here .if it's TRUE Peter's has to go

I would guess it is because Aliu has continued to play professional hockey up until just last year. With how deeply entrenched some of this toxicity is likely still within hockey culture, I could see why he would be very reluctant to speak publicly while still trying to earn a living playing hockey.

The Babcock firing and subsequent chatter no doubt has also made an impression enough to tease this out now.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by agulati

I'm thinking it will have more to do players playing in the juniors or younger players just making the NHL. So not really "rich". Marner was a rookie when the Babcock thing happened. Aliu was fairly young at that point as well (if the racist remark turns out to be true). This is good for the game, if these things are purged out, even though it can put the sport through a period of turmoil. This obviously depends on if this was a bigger issue than reported.

Hazing has been a big reported thing in hockey, and we do know about sexual abuse scandals as well. If racism also gets added to the mix, we do have a bigger powder keg.

You make some good points. It is situations like this that help promote a better standard for the players, the coaches and for the NHL. It starts with listening to people like Aliu. No one wants to be humiliated. Using that terminology may have affected his performance, causing him to feel alienated from other players. Hopefully now there is an opportunity to educate and raise some standards.

[Crown Royal]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

I’m not coming with a pitch fork going after Peters. Akim has been through some %#^* in his days as a hockey player, and given that he spoke out against hazing - he does have some respect from me. This is a situation where we need more information to be sure, and hell it may end up just being a he said/he said situation.

If there’s truth to it, I’m also not even saying fire Peters. People make mistakes and no one is perfect, and more importantly people grow with time. You do have to make amends for your mistakes though.

When it came to Aliu and the hazing incident, even when it came to light he never spoke out about what teammate(s) were hazing him, all he said is that it was a veteran that wasn't Steve Downie as it was Downie who was being accused of it in the media. So he has a clear history of protecting the locker room and I think this situation would fit that as well.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by GullFoss

Remember when Bill Peters called out Eddie Lack in a completely unprofessional way? Remember when commodore trashed bill Peters, just like he did Mike Babcock?

Bill Peters is probably not a good guy and should be fired

What he did, was to simply discredit his resume in association to Babcock, as the potential new hiring.

I don't understand the hype. I imagine it's the old Babcock effect; oh he was with Babcock, who's about to be ousted in the first round for how many times in the last few years?

Trashed like he did Babcock? No, no I don't.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

What he did, was to simply discredit his resume in association to Babcock, as the potential new hiring.


Trashed like he did Babcock? No, no I don't.

Yeah, I think it's probably relevant to point out that the total extent of Mike Commodore's experience with Bill Peters was 17 games spread over a period of three months in Peters's first season as a NHL coach. While he may have a legitimate axe to grind from years of interaction with Mike Babcock, Commodore is not an authority on Bill Peters.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by GullFoss

Remember when commodore trashed bill Peters, just like he did Mike Babcock?

Actually, no I don't. What did he say? He's pretty harsh on Babcock, I had no idea he was saying similar things about Peters.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by gamesaver

I think a context still should be considered, even if he really said it. A scenario comes to my mind: Alieu plays a song with an extensive use of the Nword. Peters tells him to shut the Nmusic down, because he doesn't want to hear that word in his dressing room. In all other cases though, there is no excuse.

Good point. Was the word being said/sang repeatedly in the music that was being played?

I mean if Coldplay was on repeat at my work I’d go in there guns a blazin yelling “turn off that mother swearing yellow music”.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I would guess it is because Aliu has continued to play professional hockey up until just last year. With how deeply entrenched some of this toxicity is likely still within hockey culture, I could see why he would be very reluctant to speak publicly while still trying to earn a living playing hockey.

The Babcock firing and subsequent chatter no doubt has also made an impression enough to tease this out now.

Why in the middle of a game the guy is coaching though...seems pretty calculated

I would definitely take it seriously and investigate but I'm not a fan of people being guilty until proven innocent

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Yeah, I think it's probably relevant to point out that the total extent of Mike Commodore's experience with Bill Peters was 17 games spread over a period of three months in Peters's first season as a NHL coach. While he may have a legitimate axe to grind from years of interaction with Mike Babcock, Commodore is not an authority on Bill Peters.

Authority / valid opinion... who cares

Certainly he has first hand exposure, unlike most internet schmucks

[meh]

Did BT say "you people" in his press address?
Oh oh.

[Strange Brew]

Does anyone here really question how this will end?

My personal opinion, I believe Aliu and on that basis, I want no part of an ####### like that coaching my favorite hockey team. And I’m quite certain the Flames have no interest being associated with someone like that.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by meh

Did BT say "you people" in his press address?
Oh oh.

Twice. I found it unusual/interesting for someone who is so measured with their statements and selection of words.

Aside from that, this whole situation is ugly and does not end well.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

I can’t believe Aliu and his claims are being discredited by some. You would have to be pretty sick for this to not be true. Racism is so deeply imbedded in hockey culture over the years. Look at the minor levels right now in rural Canada. Reappraise ourselves with the horror stories iggy and anson and tootoo et al. Went through on their ways up to the pros.
And thank you for reminding us poster who brought the First Nations issues being faced in this land. Complicity is as easy as choosing the dominant side just because of convenience.
Canada has many issues and hockey seemingly has been operating with the questionable attitudes for too long.

I personally always heard Aliu was a hot head and I wondered why he never got a shake here. He could score but he just wasn’t kept around. But I’m thankful for the community doing some great service to the issue by unearthing some good context in this. This story has really shown a level of character that was probably suppressed by the authorities that be in a hierarchical system like the nhl. This kid by not explicitly saying a team mate and not their name to protect his locker room is a highly galvanizing plus for him imo. This guy dreamt of playing hockey and had the creator given abilities to do so yet had to overcome systemic racism so evil that it could wield his dreams and fate at their sordid racist whims. . It’s actually reprehensible, the culture.

Peters’ alleged implication is all I need for the divestment of the two parties. This stain and miasma are unbecoming of this vaunted organization. Flames have a big opportunity to establish standards with their organization, community partners and fan base. Too many fans from all over the world celebrate this game. Inclusivity requires true a standard of responsibility. Peters is as good as gone. Don’t even allow the corroborating stories to unfurl for unfurl they will. I agree with the poster who said bring it out to the sun to allow it to all heal fully.

Kudos for having the strength to address this again Akim. Hockey is just a game but we forget people play it yet apparently others can hold your dreams away from you if you don’t fit a hegemony’s desirable attributes.