(Photo from scbroncos.com)
Broncos legend Todd Holt showed tremendous strength and courage today as he took the stand to testify at the sentencing hearing for convicted sex offender and former Broncos Coach Graham James. Holt’s name had been under a publication ban. Today he shared the heartbreaking details of the abuse he suffered and the impact it had on his life.
I can’t even imagine for a second what Holt, Sheldon Kennedy, Theo Fleury and the other victims of James have gone through. For them to fight through that pain and share their stories with the world… it must take incredible strength.
I was glad to see on twitter some immediate support for Holt from residents of Swift Current. Despite what happened to him here he is still a passionate and enthusiastic member of the Broncos alumni. You can’t talk about the greatest Broncos and even greatest WHL players of all-time without mentioning Holt’s name. He is the Broncos franchise leader in goals (216) and points (423). He was also voted fan favourite year after year.
It’s heartbreaking to hear how the abuse by James robbed Holt not only of the opportunities he could have had… but the way it made him feel and the suffering he has gone through since. I know when he was in Swift Current last year he talked about battling back from substance abuse issues and seemed to be in great spirits. I pray nothing but better days are ahead for Holt.
We all owe these men a great debt of gratitude. They are making the world safer for our kids. Hopefully we will all do our part as well.
Congratulations To Holt . We are called upon to be heros in many ways. He has answered his call.
As a fireman goes in to rescue a child,as a policeman faces a gun firing criminal so has holt faced his fears and dfeated his foe.
Well said Alan!