University scolds former NHLer Theo Fleury for 'reprehensible' remarks against vaccine passports

Recent remarks against vaccine passports by former NHL starTheoren Fleury are "reprehensible" and a "stain on his legacy," according to aManitoba university that gave him an honorary doctorate.

Over the weekend, Fleuryposted a message on Twitter linking vaccine passports to pedophilia, respondingto criticism with a screenshot highlighting several of his past awards, including his honorary degree from Brandon University.

In a statement on Tuesday, the university condemned his "espousing of conspiracy theories."

"Honorary degrees are awarded to recognize an individual's significant achievements or contributions; they are not an academic credential," the statement said.

That Twitter posthas since beendeleted from Fleury's account but there are many othersattacking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his support of vaccine passports.

Fleury, 53, has also toutedivermectin,an anti-parasiticmedicine commonly used for livestock, as an alternativeCOVID-19 treatment, andlambastedthe mainstream media for an alleged "absolute all out disinformation campaign" over its use.

Health Canada has issued an advisory against usingivermectinas a COVID-19 treatment.

Studiesexploring its effectivenessas a treatment have beenused to fuel misinformation despite being deemed low qualityandrobustly debunked byfederal health agencies.

The university said it supports robust public debate, but that it must be balanced against responsibilities like honesty, integrity and good faith.

Fleuryis "increasingly, not meeting that balance," it said.

Fleurywas given the degree in 2015 for his significant contributions to combating child sexual abuseand for his efforts to promote healing and recovery "at that time," the university said.

Born in Saskatchewan but raised in Russell, Man., northwest of Brandon, Fleuryplayed 16 seasons in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and the Calgary Flames.

He won aStanley Cup and Olympic gold medal but his success was also matched by problems with drinking, drugs and gambling,all of which are well documented in books, public speeches and even a play.

He alsosuffered sexual abuseat the hands of his former junior hockey coach Graham James.

He became oneof the key voices exposing sexual predation in junior hockey, for which, the university said, he continues to deserve both praise and understanding.

The university called on Fleury to recognize that he is now in a position of authority,where he can cause harm to others.

When contacted by CBCNews, aspokesperson for Fleurysaid he had no comment on the university's statement.