Following the release of a video that shows Mercyhurst University hockey player Carson Briere pushing a wheelchair down the stairs at a nearby Erie, Pa., establishment, the school released a statement Wednesday saying that it had opened up an investigation into the matter.
Briere, 23, is the son of former NHL player Daniel Briere, who is currently the interim general manager for the Flyers.
“Late this afternoon, Mercyhurst University became aware of a disturbing video in which one of our student-athletes is seen pushing an unoccupied wheelchair down a flight of stairs at a local establishment,” the statement read. “Our Office of Student Conduct and Department of Police and Safety are investigating.”
Briere and his father also released a statement Wednesday, with Daniel sharing his disappointment with his son’s actions and Carson offering an apology.
“I was shocked to see Carson’s actions in the video that was shared on social media yesterday,” Daniel’s statement read. “They are inexcusable and run completely counter to our family’s values on treating people with respect. Carson is very sorry and accepts full responsibility for his behavior.”
The video shows Briere at the top of the stairs outside a larger room. He is seen chatting with a few bystanders and briefly sitting in the wheelchair before shoving it down the stairs and walking away.
“I am deeply sorry for my behavior on Saturday,” Carson’s statement read. “There is no excuse for my actions, and I will do whatever I can to make up for this serious lack of judgment.”
