In a bizarre crossover shaking up both the NFL and NHL worlds, Las Vegas Raiders ice hockey manager Pete Carroll was reportedly left “stunned and visibly emotional” following the release of a bombshell report authored by none other than former NFL quarterback turned NHL head coach Geno Smith.
The report, leaked early Monday morning, details what Smith calls a “toxic and outdated management culture” within several NHL-affiliated teams — and to the surprise of many, the Las Vegas Raiders’ newly minted hockey branch was featured prominently.
Carroll, known for his trademark optimism and energetic sideline persona, transitioned from his long-time NFL head coaching role into ice hockey management earlier this year as part of the Raiders’ bold expansion into multi-sport branding. The move was unconventional — and now, it seems, controversial.
“I’m blindsided,” Carroll told reporters outside City National Arena. “I’ve always respected Geno — as a player, as a leader. I never saw this coming. But I’ll read the full report, take responsibility where it’s due, and work to make things right.”
📉 The Report: “Ice Cold Culture”
Geno Smith’s 42-page exposé, titled “Ice Cold Culture: Inside the NHL’s Silent Struggles,” reportedly includes anonymous player testimonies, accusations of poor communication, training overload, and management disconnect in at least four organizations — but it’s Carroll’s involvement that has tongues wagging.
Smith, who recently retired from professional sports and briefly coached the Seattle Stormbreakers (a new NHL franchise), stated in the report:
“Some franchises are stuck running locker rooms like they’re still in the early 2000s. The Raiders’ hockey division is trying to skate by on NFL-style leadership — but this isn’t football.”
He continued:
“Players felt unheard. Schedules were chaotic. And morale? Sub-zero.”
🧊 Fallout and Reactions
The NHL has not yet officially commented, but league insiders suggest an investigation may follow if the claims are substantiated.
Meanwhile, social media has erupted with debate over Smith’s sudden pivot from quarterback to whistleblower. Former teammates of both Smith and Carroll have chimed in, with some defending Carroll’s “passion for the game,” and others praising Smith’s “courage to speak up.”
🚨 What’s Next?
As of now, Pete Carroll remains at the helm of the Raiders’ hockey operations, but insiders say team owner Mark Davis is calling for an internal review.
Carroll ended his statement with a nod to his coaching philosophy: “Adversity’s a gift if you learn from it. We’ll come out better — I promise you that.”
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