NHL investigating anti-gay insults at Lightning-Leafs

The NHL is investigating an affront against homosexuals picked up by microphones during a match in Toronto against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night, after videos posted online revealed that it could have come from ### 39, a Maple Leafs player.

"The NHL is aware of reports that a homophobic insult has been used in the Maple Leafs-Lightning match.The league is investigating the incident and will not have any other comment until the match is over. that this investigation be completed, "said the league. The investigation and any discipline will be handled by the NHL Hockey Operations Department.

In the second period of their 6-2 loss to the Lightning, Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly sued Lightning forward Yanni Gourde in the Toronto area on a shot at goal. from Tampa Bay. Referee Brad Meier came back with them. In Canada, on the audio broadcast by Sportsnet, there is a clear insult against homosexuals shouted by someone close to the ice level. The NHL is discovering who has pronounced it.

• Tyler Johnson and Cedric Paquette each scored two goals, and Tampa Bay Lightning, the NHL leader, defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2 on Monday night.

The Leafs released their own statement from general manager Kyle Dubas after the announcement of the investigation: "The club is aware of reports of a homophobic insult used in the Maple Leafs match against Lightning on Monday night. Homophobia is one of the Maple The Hockey Club strongly condemns and takes it very seriously, we are in touch with the NHL and cooperate fully with their office. "

The Maple Leafs are one of the most outspoken supporters of You Can Play, who teamed up with the team on February 25 for an evening featuring the LGBTQ hockey community. A public service announcement featuring Toronto Maple Leafs players was broadcast at the arena during the match. "The Toronto Maple Leafs are really part of the history of You Can Play," said Ryan Pettengill, executive director of You Can Play.

The league has already punished players for uttering anti-gay insults during games. Andrew Shaw, then with the Chicago Blackhawks, was suspended for a playoff game in 2017 after using an anti-gay insult while he was sitting in the penalty box. But later, in the playoffs, the NHL was criticized by Ryan Getzlaf, from the Anaheim Ducks' center, for only paying a $ 10,000 fine for what many considered to be an anti-gay insult. he used in the final of the Western Conference.