RoughRiders choose to move on after USHL administrator's derogatory comments

CEDAR RAPIDS -- The matter is closed, done, over, kaput.

At least that's what Cedar Rapids RoughRiders CEO Jeff Jauch hopes after speaking Thursday with United States Hockey League Director of Game Operations/Referee In Chief Scott Brand regarding derogatory comments Brand made on Facebook about the RoughRiders.

"Here's the story," Jauch said. "Those were his words, no question. But we have resolved the issue. We're moving on from that. It's really simple. I talked to him, he has apologized, and we're going to move on."

Brand's comments were made following last Saturday's Waterloo-Cedar Rapids game at The Stable as part of a running dialogue on the Facebook "wall" of a former USHL official. They have since been deleted.

In a long post, Brand, who was at the game, stuck up for referee Brett Sheva, who apparently was the target of a verbal assault by a RoughRiders fan for allowing a somewhat controversial late third-period goal in a 6-5 shootout win for the Black Hawks.

"And if any CR fan or other hockey expert wants to apply for the RIC of the league - I encourage you to apply," Brand wrote. "Then I will go back to being a GM - maybe in CR - sell out the building every game and get rid of the Viking dancing YMCA dancers after each goal- serious WTF is that - no wonder the officials don't want to see goals- who wants to see that video."

It should be pointed out that Brand - who has been in the league for 25 years - was previously a general manager for Waterloo and Dubuque and also was a longtime referee. His final comment was reference to a song and video the RoughRiders play following each goal they score: "Arena" by Con Bro Chill.

(Here is a link to the video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkHs0ddlF-0

In a previous post, Brand joked with a former USHL official that he should be assigned to "work every cr home game next year."

"In the big scheme of things, everyone is entitled to their own opinions," Jauch said. "I'm proud of what we have here, proud of what we have built."

"Obviously we are aware of it and have addressed it internally," the USHL said when asked for comment. "I give Scott credit for sticking up for an official that was the subject of profanity from a fan, but these Facebook comments are not the image we want to portray from the USHL. A mistake was made by him and no one is more upset and regretful of it than him. It was a hard lesson to learn, but he understands that comments made in a social media platform can be misinterpreted from an outside view, especially inside jokes, and he should not have put himself in that position."

Jauch said he doesn't believe league officials have any bias against the RoughRiders, adding they have "an extremely difficult job." The league seconded him.

"Scott does cares deeply about the USHL and it is ridiculous that anyone would suggest there is any bias towards or against any USHL teams by any USHL personnel," the league said. "Scott has actually reached out personally to a few fans that have e-mailed the USHL office to offer his apologies to anyone who may have taken offense to the comments."

The league also said Brand has offered to "do something" with the RoughRiders organization, including a "hockey officiating 101 clinic" for fans. It also said Brand gave himself an undisclosed fine and is writing a check  to the USHL.

"We consider the matter closed," the league said.

"I really just want this to go away," Jauch said.