Auston Matthews reached the headlines during this preseason. Not because of some spectacular transfer or some superb game, but because of his problems with the law. The Toronto Maple Leafs center has been involved in an incident back in May which.
According to several sources, the 22-year old received a lawsuit because of disorderly conduct and will have to face a trial. The Maple Leafs center will be charged because of fighting and disruptive behavior. Everything will be more precise this Wednesday after the pretrial conference.
The police report is suggesting that on the May 26, Matthews, a female security guard suffered harassment from Matthews, who tried to open the doors of a car in which she sat. It was late at night when the player appeared drunk. After he tried the open the door and when the guard went out, he pulled down his pants and started showing her his rear end.
Following that, he went to his apartment with pants around his ankles, which the video surveillance showed while examining it.
Two days later, the security guard, Fayola Dozithee, decided to press charges against the NHL star. All this had taken place in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona.
According to Dozithee’s side of the story, she suffers from a PTSD syndrome, and she suffered a great deal of stress when Matthews wanted to get inside her car. She also told him that on the night of the incident.
The Maple Leafs are well aware of the entire story. Yet the organization didn’t want to give any more details about it, except for saying that the player is working with the authorities on solving this problem as soon as possible.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs are aware of the complaint of disturbing the peace against forward Auston Matthews,” the Maple Leafs released a statement. “Auston is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities, but neither he nor the Club will comment any further out of respect for the process involved.”
Matthews could be facing six months in jail, and up to $2.500 fine if he is found guilty. If that happens, although the prospects are low according to some experts, it would be a huge blow for the Maple Leafs.
Back in 2016 when he was drafted the No.1 overall, Matthews became only the seventh American player to be in that position. Last February he signed a five-year extension with the Maple Leafs worth $58.17 million and became the pivotal piece of this franchise.
During the 18/19 season, Matthews scored 37 goals and had 36 assists in 68 matches, and so far during his time in Toronto his record is 111 goals and 94 assists in 212 games. He had a historic debut in the league, becoming the first player ever to score four goals in his first NHL match. Eventually, he would earn a Rookie of the Year award (Calder Memorial Trophy).
Toronto puts a lot of hope in this young man, and the recent situation isn’t suiting for either side. Right now the team is in the middle of the preseason. They are opening the NHL campaign on October 3 against the Ottawa Senators.
