BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — An incident in which Carson Briere, the son of former Buffalo Sabre Daniel Briere, pushed an unoccupied wheelchair down a flight of stairs was caught on surveillance video on Saturday.
The incident took place at Sullivan's Pub in Erie, PA. The video was shared on Twitter and has over 10 million views. The Twitter user who shared the video identified Carson as the person who pushed the unoccupied wheelchair down the stairs and said:
"I do personally know the person who owns the wheelchair. They would like to remain anonymously until they can take legal action. I would never use this opportunity to scam anyone in anyway.
The chair was left on top of the stairs because she physically had to be carried down to use the restrooms. Which are only located downstairs"
A GoFundMe has been started to raise money for a new wheelchair, and over $8,000 has been raised.
The person that the wheelchair belongs to tweeted the following Wednesday night:
"Hi im Sydney and it was my chair that was pushed down the stairs. I’m so thankful for all of Sullivan’s help in this situation and the kind comments I see on Julia’s post. I swear I really don’t wanna keep a cent of the donated money, I’d much rather give it to those who need it."
Hi im Sydney and it was my chair that was pushed down the stairs. I’m so thankful for all of Sullivan’s help in this situation and the kind comments I see on Julia’s post. I swear I really don’t wanna keep a cent of the donated money, I’d much rather give it to those who need it. pic.twitter.com/1I5q05jdeO
— Sydney (@_legless_wonder) March 16, 2023
Carson is a junior at Mercyhurst University and a member of the hockey team. The university issued the following statement on the incident:
"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. Our Office of Student Conduct and Department of Police and Safety are investigating."
The university issued a follow-up statement on Wednesday:
"Mercyhurst University has heard a considerable outcry regarding the social media video of student Carson Briere showing him pushing an unoccupied wheelchair down a flight of stairs.
Mr. Briere today issued a statement taking responsibility for his actions, and in doing so, he recognized his behavior reflects a "serious lack of judgment" and that he is "deeply sorry." The actions displayed in the video make our hearts heavy and fall short of our Mercy belief in the inherent dignity of each person. We pray for and are in solidarity with the victim and all persons with disabilities who rightfully find actions like this to be deeply offensive. Our Mercy tradition also reminds us that students and all people who make poor choices deserve opportunities to learn, change behaviors, and atone for harmful actions."
A short time later, the university's athletics department said it determined that three individuals in the video are student-athletes and they have been placed on interim suspension from their athletic teams pending the outcome of the investigative process.
"After conducting an initial investigation into the incidents depicted on social media, the Mercyhurst Athletics Department has determined that three individuals in the video are student-athletes. We have placed all three on interim suspension from their athletic teams per school policy, pending the outcome of the investigative process."
In a statement provided to ESPN on Wednesday afternoon, Daniel and Carson released the following:
Daniel Briere statement:
"I was shocked to see Carson's actions in the video that was shared on social media yesterday. 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."
Carson Briere statement:
"I am deeply sorry for my behavior on Saturday. There is no excuse for my actions, and I will do whatever I can to make up for this serious lack of judgment."
Daniel Briere played across parts of four seasons with the Sabres from 2002-03 to 2006-07. After playing for the Sabres he played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, and Colorado Avalanche before ending his playing career. He is currently the interim general manager of the Flyers.
