Morgan Rielly, NHL, investigates alleged homophobic allegation captured on microphone

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The NHL has launched an investigation into Morgan Rielly – after a hot mike seems to have captured the Maple Leafs star calling a referee "f * cking f *** ot" … but there is a difference.

All dropped on Monday in the Leafs match against Tampa Bay Lightning – when Rielly had a heated exchange with a referee … and viewers claimed to have heard the homophobic speech.

There's a debate as to whether Rielly used the homophobic keyword or he said, "Get him stung" … a hockey term that basically means freezing the puck and losing some time.

In both cases, the NHL said it was investigating – "The NHL is aware of reports that a homophobic insult was used during the Maple Leafs-Lightning game," the league announced on Monday.

"The League investigates the incident and will have no further comments until this investigation is completed."

GM Leafs Kyle Dubas The Maple Leaf Hockey Club in Toronto strongly condemns and takes the problem of homophobia very seriously. We communicate with the NHL and cooperate fully with his office. "

The 25-year-old was NOT sanctioned during the match for what he said … but the league imposed penalties ranging from game suspensions to fines in recent incidents.

Rielly – the Leafs' fifth overall pick in the 2012 draft and one of the league's best defensemen this season – has not yet accounted for this incident.

Rielly appears to be a supporter of the LBGTQ community – and in August, published a tweet in favor of gay rights in favor of gay rights: "Happy Pride Day in Vancouver".