Theoren Fleury.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

NEW YORK -- Theo Fleury says he wants to pursue charges against Graham James, the junior hockey coach he alleges sexually assaulted him as a teenager, but it may not be entirely up to the former NHL forward.

The New York Post reported this week that Fleury told the newspaper he will indeed file criminal charges against James.

"I've hired Hersh Wolch, who might be the best criminal attorney in North America, and he's going through the process of doing the necessary preparation," Fleury told the Post.

But Fleury's own publicity company cautions it's still early in the process.

"The legal team led by Calgary based lawyer, Hersh Wolch, is working diligently through all the necessary steps and will advise Thereon Fleury on the situation in the weeks ahead," a statement from Fleury's publicist said. "Whether or not Fleury will press charges or if a lawsuit will be filed is still not as simple as a yes or no answer and the decision does not lie solely on the shoulders of Fleury."

The statement added that there would be an announcement once an official decision has been made.

In his autobiography "Playing With Fire," Fleury charges that he was abused by James starting when he was a 14-year-old in Winnipeg.

James was convicted in January 1997 of more than 350 incidents of sexual abuse involving Sheldon Kennedy and an unidentified Swift Current teammate, and was sentenced to 42 months in prison.

"I was not psychologically prepared to come forward then, I was not strong enough," Fleury told the Post. "But I am now, and I will do whatever it takes, no matter what the repercussions might be.

"I will follow my attorney's instructions as we go forward, but I am prepared to testify in court under oath if that becomes necessary. I will do whatever it takes."

James has not commented publicly on Fleury's charges since the hockey player's account hit the headlines.