Convicted criminal has contract terminated just days after signing in Germany
Over the weekend, Krefeld Pinguine, who will be playing in Germany's second division next season (DEL2), announced that they have signed former New Jersey Devils prospect and convicted criminal Ben Johnson.
After heavy criticism from the fans and media, Krefeld announced on Monday that they've decided to terminate Johnson's contract and thanked him for his professionalism in reaching the decision mutually."Based on the developments of the last few days, we have come to the conclusion that it is our duty to avert further damage to the Krefeld Pinguine and Ben Johnson. That's why we spoke to Ben on the phone on Saturday evening and we came to the mutual agreement that both sides would benefit if we terminated the contract.
The Krefeld Pinguine would like to thank Ben Johnson for a professional exchange and wish him and his family all the best for the future." Krefeld Pinguine Managing Director Peer Schopp said in a statement.
The Krefeld Pinguine would like to thank Ben Johnson for a professional exchange and wish him and his family all the best for the future." Krefeld Pinguine Managing Director Peer Schopp said in a statement.
Johnson, 29, was drafted by the New Jersey Devils back in 2012 and two years later signed his entry-level contract with the organization. In 2013, Johnson was charged with two counts of sexual assault, one of whom was 16 at the time and the other was 20. A few years after the charges were brought forward, Johnson was sentenced to three-years in prison and had his contract terminated by the Devils.
After his release from prison, Johnson went on to continue his hockey career, playing in the ECHL before signing in Slovakia for the 2022-23 season.
| POLL | ||
June 12 | 102 answers Convicted criminal has contract terminated just days after signing in Germany Was Krefeld right to terminate Johnson's contract? | ||
| Yes, 100% | 26 | 25.5 % |
| No, I don't agree with it, it's cancel culture | 38 | 37.3 % |
| They should have never signed him | 23 | 22.5 % |
| See Results | 15 | 14.7 % |
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