WARNING: This story contains exculpatory details
The Tampa Bay Lightning suspended defense attorney Ian Cole pending an investigation into allegations made on social media that he sexually abused a woman when she was a minor.
The Lightning said Sunday night that they would cooperate fully with the NHL on an investigation and make the decision to suspend Cole until they gather more details. It’s the latest off-ice scandal in rock hockey and challenges the culture of the sport.
“Our organization takes these allegations very seriously,” the team said in a statement. “No member of the organization, including players, will comment further at this time.”
Cole said in a statement from Agent Kevin Magnuson that he fully denies the allegations and will work with the league, team and their legal departments in the upcoming investigation.
“I take very seriously the allegations made against me in an anonymous tweet today,” said Cole. “I look forward to clearing my name and demonstrating to the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning that these allegations are unfounded.”
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press on Sunday the league had launched an investigation. Daly added the league was not aware of the allegations until they were made public on social media.
Cole’s agent did not immediately respond to multiple messages requesting comment.
Among the allegations posted anonymously on Twitter On Friday, from an account created last month, the person said Cole pressured her several times to have sex when she was underage after he reached the NHL.
In the post, the person accused Cole of emotional and sexual abuse and said the NHL must hold itself and its players responsible for creating an environment of misogynistic and predatory behavior.
Cole, 33, made his NHL debut with St. Louis in 2010 and played five seasons for the Blues before moving to Pittsburgh. It was not clear where he was playing as the person said Cole sexually abused and groomed her.
Cole, a Michigan native, has played 780 regular season and playoff games with St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Colorado, Minnesota and Carolina. In July, he signed a one-year, $3 million deal with Tampa Bay.
Cole’s investigation comes as the NHL investigates allegations by a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by eight members of Canada’s junior world team at a 2018 gala. News emerged earlier this year that Hockey Canada had settled a lawsuit with the woman. Several players from this team currently play in the NHL.
Regarding Hockey Canada’s situation, Commissioner Gary Bettman said in July he didn’t think hockey had a cultural problem.
“I think there are issues that arise in all sports and in society as a whole that are unacceptable and I don’t think we’re any different from everyone else in that regard and I certainly don’t think that’s an issue NHL level is. ‘ Bettman said at the time. “I can’t necessarily speak to the other levels of hockey. Not to say it’s okay, but other incidents in other sports and behaviors that are unacceptable have been widely reported. I want to keep our game at a higher level.”