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I am aware of the circumstances that form the basis of this police investigation. Based on my knowledge, I am confident that a thorough police investigation will reveal that 5 unruly, angry young men unexpectedly confronted Bob Jones while he waited for a taxicab to take him to his hotel room. All 5 men appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The 5 men mocked him for being dressed in a suit and made comment about his Memorial cup ring. Mr. Jones began to walk away attempting to avoid any confrontation.
As he walked away 1 of the 5 men followed behind him saying that he had better be careful or he would be dead. This man then grabbed Mr. Jones and a fight ensued. Both Jones and his attacker went to the ground, and, while on the ground, several others jumped on top and kicked Bob Jones several times. Fortunately for Mr. Jones, another member of our staff saw the attack and pulled the main attacker off Mr. Jones.
Unfortunately, during the attack, Mr. Jones’ Memorial cup ring was stolen by one of the attackers. It was pulled from his finger while he was being kicked on the ground. It seemed that his ring had been the focus of their attention from the beginning.
Mr. Jones did not make a police complaint. He decided instead to replace his ring personally rather than create any media attention that might adversely affect his team, particularly at this crucial time of the season. If anyone of the 5 men were in fact injured during this altercation, Mr. Jones had no knowledge of any such injury. Mr. Jones was the victim of an attack, not the instigator. He did his best to avoid confrontation. To his surprise, he now learns that some or all of the unscrupulous attackers have had the audacity to suggest that it was he, not them that committed an assault.
The Windsor Spitfire organization stands behind our head coach without hesitation or reservation. His description of events is supported by another member of our staff who fortunately was nearby and rendered assistance.
Because we understand that this matter is now under investigation by the police we have requested that Bob not comment to the media personally. In fact, this will be our last public statement about this incident until the police complete their investigation. It may be that the police will want to take a statement from him as to what occurred and we believe that he should respect that process and deal directly with the police. We are confident that he will be completely co-operative in any police investigation, and, an investigation will demonstrate his innocence.
