The latest on the serious accusations against veteran defenseman Ian Cole

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Dorin Canaday
October 11, 2022 (5:21 PM)

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Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole stands accused of sexually abusing and grooming at least one minor some years ago. Due to the accusations, the Lightning have suspended Cole (with pay) as both parties await the results of the NHL's investigation.

According to ESPN's Emily Kaplan, Cole is set for an in-person interview with the NHL's Chief Security Officer, Jared Maples.

An anonymous Twitter user by the name of Emily Smith made the allegations against the NHL veteran. According to Smith, Cole groomed her when he was well aware that she was underage.

''As a teen, I didn't even know what grooming was.''

"When you're young, and this happens to you, you don't realize you are a victim. As I got older and built self-esteem, I started to fully understand the extent of what happened to me and that this could never have been consensual.''

It's worth mentioning that Cole also had an affair recently with a reporter who covered the Carolina Hurricanes, where Cole played during the 2021-22 season.