Former Chief Justice Scott Bales Tapped to Lead Independent Review of Hockey Player Incident
Arizona State University has appointed former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales to lead an independent review of the collapse of hockey player Matthew Mayich.
Terre Haute, IN, October 2, 2026 —
Arizona State University (ASU) has announced the appointment of Scott Bales, former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, to oversee an independent review concerning the collapse of hockey player Matthew Mayich. The university confirmed Bales’s role in leading this significant review.
The specific details surrounding the collapse of Matthew Mayich have not been elaborated upon in the provided information, nor have the precise timelines or scope of the review Bales will conduct. The appointment of a former Chief Justice suggests an emphasis on impartiality and thoroughness in examining the incident.
Scott Bales brings a distinguished legal background to this task. He served as Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, a position that typically involves overseeing the state’s judicial system and handling significant legal matters. His experience is expected to lend considerable weight and credibility to the independent review process.
The purpose of an independent review is generally to investigate an event, gather facts, and provide an objective assessment without internal bias. In this context, the review will likely focus on understanding the circumstances leading to Mayich’s collapse, evaluating any relevant protocols, and potentially identifying areas for future improvement or policy adjustments within the university’s athletic programs. The outcomes of such reviews can be crucial for accountability and for ensuring the well-being of student-athletes.
As the review is led by an external and highly respected figure like Chief Justice Bales, it signals ASU’s commitment to addressing the incident with diligence. Further details regarding the review’s proceedings, its specific objectives, and when its findings might be expected have not been made public at this time. The university’s decision to appoint Bales underscores the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.
Story summarized from the original created by DAVID BRANDT, Associated Press on www.mywabashvalley.com, see more information here.
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