Friday, February 18, 2011
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Jordan Tibbett
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Mahoning Valley Phantoms goalie Jordan Tibbett defends a shot
STAFF REPORT
sports@vindy.com
YOUNGSTOWN
The Youngstown Phantoms returned long-time player Jordan Tibbett to their roster based on his previous good conduct here despite a sex assault charge that resulted in his suspension from Mercyhurst University.
On Feb. 3, the Phantoms returned Tibbett, 21, to their active roster. He was their No. 1 goalie during the 2009-10 season before accepting a scholarship to Mercyhurst, in Erie, Pa., last September.
After playing four games, Tibbett was suspended from the university in November after he and teammate Kyle Just were charged with sexual assault stemming from an on-campus incident with a female student.
Tibbett and Just were arraigned before Erie 3rd Ward District Judge Tom Carney on Nov. 23 on a second-degree felony count of sexual assault. Carney released Tibbett and Just on $10,000 unsecured bond after their arraignments, according to the Erie Times-News newspaper.
“We intend to defend it vigorously,” said Atty. William J. Kelly Jr., of Erie who is representing Tibbett. He declined to discuss details of the arrest.
The case has been assigned to Judge Joseph R. Lefaiver in Erie. A preliminary hearing is set for March 9.
Deborah Morton, Mercyhurst media relations director, said the two players can’t end their suspensions with the university until their legal status is cleared.
“Our student conduct code calls for an automatic suspension when a student is charged by police with sexual assault,” Morton said. “The suspension is in effect pending the outcome of legal proceedings.”
The Phantoms accepted Tibbett back due to his past conduct, but are also cautious of changes in the case.
“Everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” team president Alex Zoldan said. “Over the years, Jordan has been stand-up guy for our organization and in the community. If a [legal status] change comes along, we’ll address it.”
Phantoms coach Curtis Carr said Tibbett began practicing with the Phantoms in early January. Carr said Tibbett is enrolled at Indiana University, taking three online courses to retain his NCAA eligibility.
Skip Prince, USHL commissioner, said the league reviewed the Phantoms’ request then ruled Tibbett could rejoin the league.
The USHL has a standards and conduct policy that covers players.
“There is also a general conduct policy required of all USA Hockey registered players, enforced by USA Hockey,” Prince said. “None of those procedures call for the automatic suspension or dismissal of a player upon the filing of a charge.
“We recognize that this is a serious accusation made,” Prince said. “We also understand that it has been actively challenged, and that the facts are in dispute.”
Prince said his office, the league’s competition committee and the Phantoms performed a full review of both the incident, the charge and Tibbett’s response.
“He is clearly under scrutiny,” said Prince, who added the league is concerned about negative publicity that might be directed at the USHL and the Phantoms.
“Given the situation as it’s been presented to us, and based upon a presumption of innocence we follow in all matters involving player behavior, the Phantoms and this office came to the decision to allow the player to rejoin the team,” Prince said in an e-mail.
A resident of Indianapolis, Tibbett played goal for two seasons for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms of the North American Hockey League. When owner Bruce Zoldan folded that team in 2009 to create the USHL expansion franchise Youngstown Phantoms, Tibbett was the only MV player to make the new Phantoms squad. The USHL is for players ages 16-20. Tibbett’s eligibility expires this season.
The Phantoms’ regular-season ends on April 9. The USHL playoffs begin the following week if the Phantoms qualify.
In the five games Tibbett has played this season, his record is 1-4. They were his first games after a 31⁄2-month layoff.
This weekend, the Phantoms play twice at the Covelli Centre. Tonight’s game is against the last-place Chicago Steel. Saturday’s game is against the fourth-place Muskegon Lumberjacks. Both games begin at 7:30 p.m.
Asked about the public relations impact, Zoldan said, “I’m comfortable with our decision. We’re hoping to make a strong run at a championship.”