Oct 12, 2022AHL Athletic Trainer Fired After Being Charged With Sexual Offense
An athletic trainer from an American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers has been fired from his position after being charged with contacting a minor to commit a sexual offense.
Chad Drown recently completed his fourth season in Bakersfield as a head athletic trainer for the Condors. A native of Waterloo, Ontario, Drown spent the 2017-18 season as an assistant athletic trainer with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners before joining the Condors. He also previously held a number of positions with various junior hockey leagues and organizations.
A recent report from Yahoo! Sports detailed the decision by the organization. Below is an excerpt from the Yahoo! Sports report.
“Earlier today, we became aware that Bakersfield Condors head athletic trainer, Chad Drown, had been charged with very serious felony offenses related to (allegedly) contacting a minor to commit a sexual offense in the State of California,” the Condors said in a statement.
“We are shocked and dismayed by the news and Mr. Drown has been relieved of his duties immediately.”
A statement from the Condors: pic.twitter.com/TgLoPskvMk
— Bakersfield Condors (@Condors) October 10, 2022
Drown faces two felony counts and one misdemeanor after his arrest by the Kern County Sheriff’s Department related to his attempt to set up a meeting with a minor with the intent to commit a sex action, a department spokesperson said.
The Condors are an affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers are working closely with Condors management and have made it clear they fully support the team’s decision to remove Drown from his duties effective immediately.
We are working closely with Bakersfield Condors management & fully support the decision to relieve Mr. Drown of his duties. https://t.co/FF850mrOYy
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 10, 2022
Drown faces a maximum of eight years in prison.
News of Drown’s dismissal on sex charges on Sunday came shortly after the Tampa Bay Lightning suspended defenseman Ian Cole in the wake of allegations that he sexually abused a minor.
The team has launched an investigation into the claims made anonymously in a detailed and graphic tweet on Friday. Cole has denied the allegations.
To read the full story from Yahoo! Sports, click here.
