OHL players Betzold and Marchment suspended 15 games each for social media abuse

TORONTO – The Ontario Hockey League has suspended Peterborough Petes centre Greg Betzold and Belleville Bulls forward Jake Marchment for 15 games each after screenshots emerged of the players using vulgar and abusive language in conversations women on a social media site.

League commissioner David Branch said in a statement that “this most inappropriate and concerning activity contravenes the league’s social networking policy and a number of other policies, including Respect in Sport (Harassment and Abuse) and diversity.

“The social networking conduct displayed by these players goes against what the league stands for and serves to highlight a sense of entitlement that we, as a league, have worked hard to try to eliminate.”

Both players apologized for their behaviour on Twitter.

“Even though it was a private conversation, my comments were inappropriate, disrespectful, and I accept full responsibility for my actions,” said Marchment, who was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL draft. “I have embarrassed myself, my teammates, the Belleville Bulls organization and the city of Belleville. I truly apologize for my actions.”

“I apologize for my unacceptable private comments that were recently publicized — they do not reflect my true values or views,” Betzold posted.