The Tampa Bay Lightning have suspended defenseman Ian Cole pending an investigation into social media claims that he sexually molested a woman as a kid.
The Lightning said Sunday night that they are fully cooperating with the NHL’s investigation and have decided to suspend Cole pending further information. It is the latest off-ice scandal to rattle hockey and cast doubt on the sport’s culture.
“These allegations are taken extremely seriously by our company,” the club said in a statement. “At this moment, no members of the organization, including players, will say further.”
Ian Cole #28 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates with the puck before to an NHL preseason game on October 6, 2022 in Sunrise, Florida against the Florida Panthers at the FLA Live Arena. Joel Auerbach / Getty Images
Cole, through his agent Kevin Magnuson, issued a statement in which he categorically denied the charges and pledged to assist with the league, team, and their respective legal teams during the future investigation.
“I take very seriously the charges made against me today in an anonymous tweet,” Cole stated. “I anticipate clearing my name and proving to the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning that these charges are untrue”
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press on Sunday morning that a league investigation had been initiated. Daly stated that the league was unaware of the claims until they were published on social media.
The representative of Cole did not immediately reply to several requests for comment.
Among the allegations shared anonymously to Twitter on Friday by a newly-created account, the individual claims that Cole pressed her to have sex many times when she was a juvenile after he had reached the NHL.
In the posting, the individual accused Cole of emotional and sexual abuse and stated that the NHL and its players must take responsibility for fostering a culture of misogynistic and predatory behavior.
Cole, 33, debuted in the NHL with St. Louis in 2010 and played for the Blues for five seasons before being transferred to Pittsburgh. It was unclear where Cole was playing when the alleged victim said he sexually abused and pursued her.
Cole, a native of Michigan, has participated in 780 regular-season and postseason games for St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Colorado, Minnesota, and Carolina. In July, he signed a one-year, $3 million contract with Tampa Bay.
The examination of Cole coincides with the NHL’s review of charges made by a woman who claimed she was sexually abused by eight members of Canada’s 2018 world junior squad during a gala. Earlier this year, it was reported that Hockey Canada resolved a lawsuit with the woman. Multiple members of this team are currently playing in the NHL.
Gary Bettman stated in July, in reference to the Hockey Canada incident, that he does not believe hockey has a culture problem.
Bettman stated at the time, “I believe there are unacceptable problems in all sports and throughout society, and I don’t believe we’re any different in that sense than anyone else, nor do I believe it’s an issue at the NHL level.” “I am unable to comment on the other levels of hockey. Different occurrences and improper behavior have been extensively documented in other sports. This does not imply that the behavior is acceptable. I want to raise the bar for our performance.”