NHL Reinstates Five Players Acquitted in Sexual Assault Case

Narrative A

The league correctly recognized that legal acquittal doesn't erase conduct that falls short of professional expectations. But at the same time, these players have already lost a large portion of their careers and they should be able to resume playing if teams are willing to sign them. The NHL needed to send a clear message that such conduct won't be tolerated regardless of criminal conviction, and that's what this suspension demonstrates.