Two lawyers representing New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod say their client has been charged with sexual assault in London, Ont.
“We can now confirm that more than five and a half years after EM’s initial complaint to police, the London Police Service has charged Mike McLeod with sexual assault,” David Humphrey and Seth Weinstein of Greenspan Humphrey Weinstein said in a statement provided to Sportsnet. “Mr. McLeod denies any criminal wrongdoing. He will be pleading not guilty and will vigorously defend the case. None of the evidence has been presented, let alone tested in court. We ask that the public respect Mr. McLeod’s privacy, and his family’s privacy. Because the matter is now before the court, we will not comment further at this time.”
McLeod is the second player from the 2018 Canadian World Junior team to be charged with sexual assault following former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton, who turned himself into police in London on Sunday.
A year ago, London police filed an application with the Ontario Court of Justice stating they had reasonable grounds to believe five members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team had sexually assaulted a woman.
In May 2022, it was revealed that Hockey Canada had paid an undisclosed settlement to a woman — known only as E.M. — in London, after she alleged she was sexually assaulted by eight men, including members of the 2018 men’s world junior team, in June 2018.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
McLeod, 25, was granted a leave of absence by the Devils on Jan. 24. A six-year NHL veteran, he has 19 points in 45 games this season.
The NHL and the NHLPA declined to comment when reached by Sportsnet.
London police have called a press conference for Feb. 5 to provide an update on the case.