Bobby Hull

Chicago announced that Hull would no longer be an official team ambassador. The club described the decision as a restructuring of the programme and a mutually agreed departure, while numerous media outlets placed it in the context of his off-ice controversies and the Blackhawks' changing culture.

Attribution

Direct responsibility

His former wife Joanne publicly described several alleged incidents of domestic violence, including an incident in Hawaii in which she said she was struck with a shoe and held over a balcony, as well as a subsequent threat involving a loaded rifle.

State of the evidence

Allegations

The Moscow Times attributed remarks to Hull concerning the Black American population, eugenics and the idea that Hitler had had "a few good ideas". The affair caused an international scandal.

Attribution

Directly implicated

During a police intervention relating to a dispute with his wife Deborah, Hull was accused of offences including battery. That charge was dropped when Deborah declined to testify. Hull nevertheless pleaded guilty/was convicted of striking an attending police officer and received a 150 $ fine and six months of court supervision.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Hull left the Blackhawks for the WHA's Winnipeg Jets following a collectively funded bonus of one million dollars. His departure contributed to extensive litigation over NHL reserve clauses and cost him eligibility for the 1972 Summit Series.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Disagreeing over his remuneration, Hull temporarily retired at the beginning of the 1968-1969 season in what was effectively a holdout. He returned at the salary Chicago wanted, received a fine of approximately 17 000 $ for the time missed and issued a public apology.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Hull left Chicago's training camp after his young sons were excluded from the dressing room and training sessions in accordance with team policy. He cited a disagreement before returning three days later following a meeting with management.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated