NHL finds no proof to again sexual abuse claims towards Tampa Bay’s Cole By Reuters

(Reuters) – The Nationwide Hockey League (NHL) on Saturday mentioned it had discovered no proof substantiating allegations of sexual abuse and grooming by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole and that it considers the case closed.

On Oct. 7, an individual going by the identify of Emily Smith on Twitter posted that Cole had groomed and had a sexual relationship together with her whereas she was a minor in highschool and he was within the NHL.

Cole denied the allegations, however the NHL suspended him with pay whereas an investigation was carried out.

“I am grateful for the chance to reply to and refute the nameless allegations made towards me, which I categorically deny,” Cole mentioned in an announcement.

“I am trying ahead to returning to the ice with my teammates and could have no additional feedback on this matter going ahead.”

The NHL safety and authorized departments mentioned they interviewed Cole twice and in addition spoke to membership personnel, people with probably related data and reviewed on-line information in addition to courtroom and regulation enforcement information.

The NHL mentioned investigators have been unable to make contact with the nameless supply of the social media submit.

“The Nationwide Hockey League now considers this matter closed,” it mentioned.

The NHL Gamers’ Affiliation mentioned it was nervous in regards to the precedent set by suspending Cole over the allegations.

“Gamers ought to by no means be topic to suspension or self-discipline in response to unsubstantiated and nameless accusations,” the NHLPA mentioned in an announcement.

“Eradicating a participant from his crew underneath these circumstances is inappropriate and grossly unfair. We’re participating the League in discussions on find out how to handle comparable conditions sooner or later.”

Cole, 33, has gained the Stanley Cup twice as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, in 2016 and 2017, and signed with the Lightning as a free agent over the summer season.

The Ann Arbor, Michigan native attended the College of Notre Dame and was chosen 18th general within the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.