Matthews expresses regret in statement on disorderly conduct charge

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews made a statement Wednesday regarding the disorderly conduct charge filed against him.

"I regret any of my actions that would ever put a distraction on the team or distress any individual," Matthews said. "I take a lot of pride in preparing myself for the season and representing the Toronto Maple Leafs as well as I can."

Matthews didn't take any questions due to the ongoing investigation.

The charge against Matthews stems from a May 26 incident in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona.

The complainant, a security guard at a Scottsdale condo complex, stated that Matthews and a group of males tried to open her vehicle at 2 a.m as she sat inside doing paperwork.

According to the report, Matthews dropped his pants, bent over, and grabbed his buttocks as he walked away. The complainant said he seemed to keep his underwear on.

Matthews wasn't arrested. He has a pretrial conference Wednesday morning but isn't required to appear in court.

The Maple Leafs begin their season Oct. 2 and have been widely expected to name Matthews as their next captain.