The NHL on Saturday cleared Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole, who was suspended earlier this week after an anonymous social media accusation of sexual abuse against him.
The league launched an investigation after a Twitter user posted Oct. 7 that Cole had groomed her for four years and started doing so when she was a minor in high school. The post also stated that Cole pressured her to have sex with him.
The league “found no evidence to substantiate the allegations” and “now considers this matter closed.”
The Lightning suspended Cole on Sunday while the league’s security and legal departments conducted their probes.
The NHLPA released a statement saying it’s “pleased” that the situation is now resolved.
“However, players should never be subject to suspension or discipline in response to unsubstantiated and anonymous accusations,” the union said in a statement. “Removing a player from his team under these circumstances is inappropriate and grossly unfair.”
Cole, 33, denied the claims from the outset.
Cole is in his 13th season. He spent last season with the Carolina Hurricanes before signing a one-year deal with the Lightning valued at $3 million.
–Field Level Media
