A Letter Of Complaint To The Sheffield Steelers + David Simms' Response

In response to tweets last week from David Simms, I was approached by some Steelers fans with a letter of complaint to Tony Smith.

Here, it is made public, presented without editing and as delivered, along with what the group consider the response from Simms in yesterday's programme. It is presented without comment from myself as editor.

Dear Mr Smith, 

We are writing regarding our ongoing disappointment in the unprofessional behaviour of David Simms. We believe, along with many others, that Mr Simms gives Steelers a bad name in the ice hockey world, not only in the UK but internationally.

 As you know, his behaviour and comments are not a new thing. We are all aware that Steelers have had to issue apologies on his behalf in the past, and indeed he has provided platitudes for his behaviour. Who can forget the abuse he hurled at Panthers in 2011? Frankly, we are surprised he stayed in post following this. We can’t imagine any other situation where the PR Manager keeps their job after such behaviour, it’s an ongoing mystery.

Recently, we have become most disillusioned with Steelers as a club, and their failure to address Mr Simms’ disgusting behaviour. We are ashamed to be fans of a club that either will not or can not deal with this. We don’t know what goes on ‘inside’ the organisation, or who pulls the strings, but we feel there should be more transparency in this area. Currently, it appears from the outside that there is little communication from within and little concern with how the club appears to the greater hockey world, and indeed business world.

We have, individually, considered complaining about David Simms’ behaviour in the past, most recently, racist comments at this seasons shirt launch. We have not done so for various reasons, but after todays events we simply cannot remain silent any longer. 

The club has asserted on a number of occasions that it wishes to promote the “family friendly” approach on game nights, and has used this assertion to refuse to try new things suggested by fans whilst continuing to push the same outdated match night experience. Can we remind you that, in 2014, sexism certainly isn’t family friendly. May we draw your attention to the following, exact quotes tweeted by Mr Simms, who himself is followed on Twitter by many young hockey fans: 

“Blatantly sexiest tweet coming up, just warning you.” 

“I need help with Steelers giveaways at the Arena, need good looking, sexy promotions girl with personality to become a star on match nights.” 

“Thigh length boots advantageous, we will supply Steelers shirt and spot light. Interested? send photo.” 

While Mr Simms claims to tweet in a personal capacity which offers him some protection when people complain about him, today’s requests for a “sexy girl” to help him with promotions are obviously about a decision made by the Steelers as a team to bring in an Ice Girl (as they’re known in North America). If an advertisement was made in such a way through any official channel you’d find yourself breaking any number of employment laws, which in itself should make his behaviour cause for concern. 

The fact is that the language used by Mr Simms in what purports to be an official job advert is predatory, outdated and sexist - it's the kind of objectifying language that goes a very long way to making female hockey fans uncomfortable and unwelcome in Sheffield. If you’re going to isolate a large part of your fanbase, why would you do such a thing? 

You currently have a known Sheffield Steelers & EIHL club employee asking girls on Twitter to send him pictures of themselves in provocative dress, and phone numbers in some cases, so he can assess their “hotness”. Quite apart from the obvious objectification issue, Mr Simms doesn't specify an age limit. This is a tactic commonly used by sexual predators on Twitter, and can be interpreted as solicitation - which, by the way, is illegal. It beggars belief that any professional sports team would think this is okay, and would sign off on this, let alone allow it to continue. 

The issue has not gone unnoticed, as we are sure you are aware. However you may not be aware that it has been noticed beyond the small circle of UK hockey twitter, and has been noted and passed along by the editor one of the biggest NHL blogs in existence. If this is an image you are happy to present around the world, then that’s fine. However, if the EIHL ever wants to be taken seriously, incidents like this one set its progress back by years. 

We have discussed this issue with many fans, both of the Steelers and other EIHL clubs. We, as fans, are disappointed that Mr Simms continues to bring the club into disrepute in this way. He is an embarrassment to the club and to the league, and he damages the image and credibility of the club. It is an ongoing joke between EIHL fans that our PR is unable to string a sentence together, and cannot issue a news item on it’s own website that doesn’t contain myriad errors and spelling mistakes, even of players’ names. However, on this occasion we feel he has stepped over the line. 

We believe that he will continue to do so should he not be disciplined for his behaviour or understand the consequences of his actions, which would not stand in any other business. We understand the good things that Mr Simms has brought to the club, and appreciate his links with local press. However, this in no way can make up for his behaviour. 

Thank you for taking the time to listen to our concerns. I hope you can take the time to consider them and to respond to us, either personally, or as a club issued statement. We are, of course, huge Steelers supporters and this is why we feel it is important for you to understand how many of the fans feel about this matter. 

Yours sincerely 

The Undersigned

Response from David Simms