A disabled woman has reacted to disturbing footage showing the son of a former NHL player inexplicably pushing her unattended wheelchair down a set of stairs. The owner of the chair blasted the man’s “ignorant” actions, claiming his apology after the incident was “insincere”.
Hockey player Carson Briere, the son of a former NHL player, has been condemned for the cruel act, which happened at Sullivan’s Pub in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night.
The woman, who goes by the name of Sydney on social media, reacted to the footage shared by Twitter user Julia Zukowski, confirming that the chair belonged to her.
The 22-year-old double amputee blasted the National Hockey League’s son in a series of tweets, claiming that security staff made him apologise following the incident but it was “insincere”.
She claimed the college hockey player even asked the bouncer, “Do I still have to go?” after apologising.
Seemingly referencing Briere and the other players of Mercyhurst University men’s hockey centre, the woman wrote: “They’ve shown their true colours. Those being that they’re entitled, spoiled, ignorant, douchecanoes.
“I don’t wanna ruin their lives but they’ve clearly only gotten a slap on the wrist their whole lives. They need to learn their behaviour is completely unacceptable.”
Replying to Zukowski’s tweet, Sydney said: “Hi I’m Sydney and it was my chair that was pushed down the stairs. I’m so thankful for all of Sullivan’s help in this situation and the kind comments I see on Julia’s post.”
Zukowski also set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Sydney to buy a new wheelchair – the page has so far received $8,811 in donations.
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But Sydney said she was rejecting the cash raised, saying she would rather give it to those who need it.
“I swear I really don’t wanna keep a cent of the donated money, I’d much rather give it to those who need it”, she added, before later adding she’ll keep enough to repair her wheelchair.
Sydney said in a separate tweet that she does not blame the bar, and said security made Briere apologise before they kicked him out.
On Wednesday, the Mercyhurst department confirmed that the three athletes had been placed on interim suspension from their teams.
In a statement, Briere, who was named interim general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers five days ago, said he was “deeply sorry” for his actions.
“There is no excuse for my actions, and I will do whatever I can to make up for this serious lack of judgment”, he added.
His father is Daniel Briere, 45, a former NHL player, said in a statement: “I was shocked to see Carson’s actions in the video that was shared on social media yesterday.
“They are inexcusable and run completely counter to our family’s values of treating people with respect. Carson is very sorry and accepts full responsibility for his behaviour.”
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