In the wake of the social media incident that took place at the beginning of the week, Greg Betzold—backed by the Peterborough Petes organization—is urging the public to cease all negative communication with involved parties.

In a just released statement, Betzold—who is suspended 15 games from the organization—said the following:

“On Monday morning, an excerpt of a conversation I had on Tinder was made public. My language and attitude in that conversation were unacceptable, insulting, and I exercised poor judgment in speaking to an individual in that manner. I am truly sorry to the woman I offended, her family, my own family, the Peterborough Petes, our fans, and the Ontario Hockey League for my insensitive remarks. I am going to use this as an opportunity to reflect on how my words can affect others, and to fully appreciate the standard expected of me as a member of the Peterborough Petes.

The language I used is a result of an attitude and behavioral issue that I have to change. The Peterborough Petes organization has already arranged for me to receive sensitivity training, and I thank them for working with me to address my mistake. I am fully committed to learning from this situation, becoming a positive member of the community, and a positive example of how to treat others.

Furthermore, I have become aware that others have contacted the woman I insulted with inappropriate and threatening remarks. I am asking those people to stop this immediately. It was my mistake to use this language, and she deserves nothing but support in this situation.”

Jim Devlin, President of the Petes Board of Directors, adds “it has come to our attention that the young lady that was the target of Greg’s communication has and continues to receive threatening and harassing messages through a variety of platforms.

The Petes are pleading with the public to refrain from making negative or unsupportive comments toward the woman or any other involved parties.”

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It is abundantly clear: The Peterborough Petes are no longer the must watch team they were in their heyday.

The crowds are sparse and quiet; the players give it their all but the product on the ice isn't up to par; it's no longer a coveted thing to play for the Petes (look at the number of players who have asked to be traded in recent years); it's no longer a "hot" ticket to go to a game; the Petes experience is not the entertainment spectacle or buzz factor it should be; and the Board and coaching staff have not developed a clear vision or strategy for how to get the franchise back on track.

Local boy and WIND Mobile co-founder Mike O'Connor came forward earlier this year with an offer to buy the Petes as part of a group called NorthLight Entertainment. He articulated a clear vision to bring them into the 21st century as far as marketing and business savvy and social media and such—and has talked about possibly even building an arena downtown someday, something he reiterated on KRUZ FM earlier this week. And Mike still wants the team, he told us such.

There's no question the Petes fanbase is aging and is in effect dying off—it's not like the Lakers fanbase which has a wide demographic and is attracting youth with its "cool" factor including the entertainment and product on the field, not to mention that most of their games sellout. The status quo isn't working for the Petes. For people to pay their hard earned money to go to a game and buy tickets, use the concession stands and buy Petes merchandise, they have to know it's going to a team with a clear vision and that wants to win over anything else. Would-be Petes fans have a lot of other choices for how to spend their time and their money, so they have to know it will be an "experience" to go to a Petes game, whether it's a date night or bringing the kids or going with buddies.

Now sports reporter Mike Davies from The Examiner reports that the Peterborough Petes board of directors will be making new, crucial additions to their board, as several have stepped down. Petes president Jim Devlin says at least two vacancies will be filled, and that they are looking for candidates , "younger guys", with a hockey background and expertise in business and finance—and the deadline for applicants to submit resumes is December 15th.

Those positions are key to determining the future of the Petes, a once storied franchise. But are those additions enough? The Board and the organization has to admit that what they're doing now isn't working. Not even close. Tweaking the organization isn't sufficient. A radical new vision and marketing strategy—an overhaul—is needed to save the Petes, and right the ship. And be a competitive team again where players want to play for them and fans want to watch.

Remember 1996? That's what we need to get back to (along with 21st century entertainment/social media):