NHL Player Corey Perry and Chicago Blackhawks Deny Rumor He Was Waived for Having an Affair With Teammate’s Mom

Erin Hooley/AP

In his first comments since being waived by the Chicago Blackhawks, veteran winger Corey Perry denied rumors that he was released due to an affair with a teammate’s mother.

The Blackhawks on Tuesday waived the 38-year-old for “unacceptable” conduct but did not elaborate further. That decision came just days after the team announced Perry would be stepping away from the team for the foreseeable future. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said it was the team’s decision to hold him out.

Due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the move, speculation and rumors began to run wild. The most popular one that stuck was that Perry allegedly had an affair with the mother of his teammate — rookie sensation Connor Bedard.

On Thursday, Perry acknowledged the rumors and said he was “sickened” by the impact it’s had on those close to him.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates,” Perry said in a statement. “I would also like to apologize to my fans, and my family.

“I am embarrassed and I have let you all down. As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumors. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this situation involve any of my teammates or their families. Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who have been negatively affected and I am sorry for the additional impact to others it has created. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong.”

On Tuesday, Davidson shut down the rumors and said it was an “alcohol-fueled” incident that occurred in the workplace Nov. 17 at a team-organized event.