By Canadian Press

In the Rings: Homan seeks apology after “disappointing incident” at provincials

Feb 5, 2019 | 1:08 PM

Rachel Homan is seeking an apology after an incident at the Ontario curling championship last week that she called “disappointing” and “hurtful and disrespectful to all involved.”

Homan, a three-time national women’s champion, issued a statement Tuesday on Twitter that included the post: “Let’s be better than yesterday. Stand up and speak out #antibullying.”

The Ottawa skip did not reveal specifics, only saying the incident happened Thursday at the eight-team provincial playdowns in Elmira, Ont.

“On a positive note, many have come forward to apologize and take responsibility for their participation,” Homan said. “It takes a lot of courage to do so. We appreciate that we all make mistakes and there is a lot of room for forgiveness. To those still attempting to hide and take no responsibility, it is a shame. We are simply seeking an apology.

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“To personally tear someone down for reasons we may never know, is not a part of curling. There is no place for bullying in or out of sport.”

Homan also said her team would be making a donation to an anti-bullying campaign in Ottawa.

“I’m sure at one point we have all been in the wrong; whether we were the bully, the ones who jumped onboard, or the bystander that didn’t speak up,” she said. “We need to learn from mistakes of the past and of others to be better. It’s OK to speak up, to reach out. Bullies should never win.”

The Ontario Curling Association said Tuesday that a review was underway. 

“All I can say is that we have received a harassment complaint against an individual — not a participant in the event,” said executive director Stephen Chenier. “We’ve initiated a review. We have a harassment policy and so we’re in that due process right now. Until both parties have had an opportunity for their day in court, for lack of a better term, I really can’t comment further than that.”

Homan, who represented Canada at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, defeated Julie Tippin in Saturday’s final and will represent Ontario at the Feb. 15-24 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Sydney, N.S.

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Follow @GregoryStrongCP on Twitter.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press