GM Brock Sunderland ‘banned’ Joey Moss from Edmonton locker room: report

Photo courtesy: EE Football Team

Respected Edmonton media man Robin Brownlee has reported Elks general manager Brock Sunderland banned the beloved Joey Moss from the green and gold locker room.

Brownlee reported the details on Twitter:

What’s the culture of an organization that fires a loyal employee like Dwayne Mandrusiak after 49 years and bans Joey Moss from the dressing room because it’s been decided he’s become a distraction? These decisions were made by Brock Sunderland. Let’s talk about that.

Oh, it’s true. Multiple sources. Joe Moss, part of the EE staff for years, was banned from the dressing room and it was Brock Sunderland who made the call.

Moss became a household name with the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Football Team working as a locker room attendant for both organizations starting in the 1980s. Players and fans alike looked up to Moss for his passion, positive attitude and incredible work ethic. He taught many people about acceptance and inclusivity through his work and community involvement with both organizations.

The Elks issued the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:

The Elks categorically deny that any member of the club’s management requested that Joey no longer be part of the organization.

The Green and Gold cherished Joey’s presence around the team, and respect the important role he played with the organization for decades.

Joey Moss’ nephew Adam Walker also released the following statement through the team:

The Edmonton Elks always included Joey within the organization until the day he was no longer able to work. The Elks continue to support Joey and his legacy. The 50/50 in 2020 raised nearly half a million dollars for the Joey Moss Memorial Fund. This will be an annual event. The Elks have also hired two individuals from the Winnifred Steward Employment Program. They have been an outstanding organization and have always treated Joey with the highest respect.

Born with down syndrome, Moss was an incredible role model to all Edmontonians.
He helped start the Winnifred Stewart Association’s Empties to Winn fundraiser, which
supports programs and initiatives for people with disabilities in the Edmonton region.

Funds from his Home Trust, which started in 1988 with support from Edmontonians
and local organizations, were used to help open Joey’s Home in 2007, an assisted living
residence for people with developmental disabilities.

In 2018, with support from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, the Edmonton
Down Syndrome Society opened the Joey Moss Literary Centre for Excellence. The centre
offers workshops, an on-site library and literacy resources, reading coaches and a speech
literacy consultant.

Moss’ rise to fame expanded beyond Edmonton as he became well-known on the North
American sports scene. People fondly remember seeing Moss on their TV with his hand over
his heart, singing the Canadian national anthem proudly at the top of his lungs before each
home game.

At age 57, Moss passed away in October 2020.

3DownNation has asked the Edmonton Football Team for comment on the report.