NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning release statements on Ian Cole's accusations
Yesterday, news broke that veteran defenseman Ian Cole was at the center of sexual assault allegations (read more here). An anonymous Twitter user claimed that Cole had groomed and sexually assaulted her as a minor.
According to her statement, she was not the only victim of his.
Last night, the NHL made an announcement that they would be conducting a thorough investigation into these claims. As per Katie Strang of The Athletic:
''NHL is aware of the allegations of grooming and sexual assault involving Ian Cole. According to deputy commissioner Bill Daly, the league is looking into them.''
The Tampa Bay Lightning also released a statement on the accusations, handing down an early punishment for Cole:
TAMPA BAY- The Tampa Bay Lightning today issued the following statement regarding defenseman lan Cole.
''The Tampa Bay Lightning is aware of the allegations against player lan 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 lan Cole pending the results of an investigation. No members of the organization, including players, will comment further at this time.''
''The Tampa Bay Lightning is aware of the allegations against player lan 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 lan Cole pending the results of an investigation. No members of the organization, including players, will comment further at this time.''
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