Wray Morrison: Auston’s actions

Auston Matthews is facing a charge of disorderly conduct following a May incident in Scottsdale, Ariz. The legal process has to play itself out, but his alleged actions have generated the typical reactions.

“He has to be better.” “I hope the Leafs trade him.”

The 21-year-old Leafs star was also described as a “brat” and a “dork” on social media. There are others who suggest that he was a young man who was drunk, and this is nothing new.

I disagree with those people. This is a serious matter, and if Matthews and his friends caused harm, alarmed or disrespected anyone publicly, the system needs to send a message.

More importantly, if found in the wrong, Matthews’ employer needs to hold him to account. The Toronto Maple Leafs just gave Matthews a five-year, $58-million contract in February. He is also said to be in the running to become team captain.

This story has hurt the image of the Leafs. If found guilty, Matthews, who already has a life most can only dream about, needs to be shown there are consequences that don’t just disappear with time.