Web Notifications

SaltWire.com would like to send you notifications for breaking news alerts.

Activate notifications?

'TRULY SORRY': Leafs' Matthews ready to move on after charge dismissed

Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs heads back to the bench after his goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on November 7, 2019 in Toronto. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs heads back to the bench after his goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on November 7, 2019 in Toronto. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THESE SALTWIRE VIDEOS

Olive Tapenade & Vinho Verde | SaltWire

Watch on YouTube: "Olive Tapenade & Vinho Verde | SaltWire"

A contrite Auston Matthews was relieved to move on after a charge of disorderly conduct against him was dismissed on Wednesday.

“I want to reiterate again how truly sorry I am for my actions, my behaviour,” the Maple Leafs star said at Scotiabank Arena on Friday morning. “I never meant to cause any distress to this woman and I can assure you I have learned from my mistakes and my actions (i) strive every day to be better in every aspect of my life.”

Matthews was charged during the summer after the incident took place in the early morning hours of May 26 at his condo building in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Fayola Dozithee, a female security guard at Matthews’ condo building, alleged that Matthews and a group of males tried to get into her car as she sat it in doing paperwork at 2 a.m. Matthews appeared to be intoxicated, and as he walked away, dropped his pants and grabbed his buttocks while keeping his underwear on.

A settlement was reached between Matthews and Dozithee, though Matthews did not address that on Friday.

In Arizona, a person accused of a misdemeanour and the alleged victim can settle the matter directly. The charge was dismissed once the settlement was done.

Matthews did not tell the Leafs of the charge, with the club learning of it when it became public in September.

What is the biggest lesson Matthews, who has turned 22 since the incident, will take?

“Just how your actions can affect other people,” Matthews said. “I’m going to put my best foot forward. I made a mistake.”

Through the Leafs’ first 20 games, Matthews led the team in scoring with 26 points.

“The Leafs are committed to developing and promoting the qualities of good character, respect and equality in our organization, including our players, and we recognize and embrace the role we serve in the community,” Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said in a statement. “While Auston has been an exceptional ambassador for the Leafs in representing those values, his conduct in this incident last May failed to meet expectations.

“We appreciate that Auston has publicly reiterated that he is truly sorry for his conduct and has recognized the impact his actions caused. We have no doubt that he has learned a valuable lesson and will grow from this experience.”

[email protected]

twitter.com/koshtorontosun

Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2019

Share story:
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT