The story of an alleged conflict of interest between referee Wes McCauley and Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe continues to unfold.
In 2004, Keefe was part of a legal case against David Frost, his former coach and agent, accused of sexual abuse. 12 charges of sexual exploitation were filed against Frost, who spent $200,000 on a lawyer before being found not guilty. Keefe’s former teammate, Michael Danton, was arrested by the FBI for attempting to hire a hit man to eliminate Frost.
David Frost, now Jim McCauley, is Wes’ brother-in-law.
Maple Leafs fans are crying conflict of interest. Rightly or wrongly, it’s up to you. Of course, there are limits to criticism, and several fans have crossed the line quite obviously.
According to a recent article in the Toronto Star, Wes McCauley and his family received death threats after Game #1 of the Leafs-Lightning first-round series.
At that point, the Leafs had lost their previous eight playoff games refereed by Wes McCauley.
Family of referee Wes McCauley got threats when Maple Leafs played Lightning in NHL playoffs: Source https://t.co/KvBg5C4W04
– Toronto Star Sports (@StarSports) May 7, 2023
(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});
Sheldon Keefe addressed the situation today at a press briefing, when a reporter asked if there was indeed a conflict between the two men.
“The referees have no impact on the game. It’s not my focus. Wes has treated me like a professional in this league and I appreciate that very much.”
Sheldon Keefe, asked about his relationship with Wes McCauley: “Officials don’t have any impact on the game and it’s not my focus. Wes has treated me like a true professional the whole time that I’ve been in this league and I’ve been very appreciative of that.” https://t.co/s5din567yy
– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 7, 2023
That doesn’t really answer the question, and that’s his right.
Nevertheless, many would argue that it’s not true that officials don’t affect games. Penalties have an impact on momentum, whether positive or negative, and playoff officiating, where we’re more permissive, is certainly an issue to consider.
Anyway… Wes McCauley will referee tonight’s game. In your opinion, should the league remedy this situation?
In a gust
– With Laine injured, more room for Armia?
Joel Armia heading back to worlds this year. He had an excellent tournament last year. Thought there was an outside chance Jesse Ylönen would get an invite, GM Jere Lehtinen was impressed with his progression when he visited Montreal. https://t.co/VUbdaUvZ33
– Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 7, 2023
– The most important game in the modern history of the Maple Leafs?
From @PierreVLeBrun, @reporterchris & @markhmasters: Discussing the Leafs’ calm, poised demeanor heading into a crucial Game 3, and why the team believes Ilya Samsonov can bounce back tonight despite showing some frustration at practice on Saturday. https://t.co/HntgHJJj8X
– TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) May 7, 2023
– That’s right.
The lottery to determine the draft order will take place on Monday. “The most likely position for the Habs, I’m going to be flat, but it’s 6th,” reckons @glefrancoisLP.
Listen to his full discussion with @RainvilleJR...⬇https://t.co/xzTKUdM3XY– 98,5 Sports (@985Sports) May 7, 2023