Media reports have alleged that Ian Cole of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been accused of sexually abusing and grooming a minor.
Cole has been suspended pending further investigation, and the Lightning posted a statement.
“The Tampa Bay Lightning is aware of the allegations against player Ian Cole and are cooperating fully with the NHL on an investigation. Our organization takes these allegations very seriously. While we continue to gather more details, we have decided to suspend Ian Cole pending the results of an investigation. No members of the organization, including players, will comment further at this time.”
The original allegations appeared on Twitter on 7 October 2022.
Cole also released a statement on Sunday evening:
“I take the allegations made against me today in an anonymous tweet very seriously. I completely deny these allegations and will fully cooperate with the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning, their officials and legal departments in the forthcoming investigation. I look forward to clearing my name and demonstrating to the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning that these allegations are unfounded. I will have no further comment until the NHL’s investigation concludes.”
The NHL has not yet released a statement on allegations.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has been reported to have said the league is looking into the matter.
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