NHL | Tampa Bay suspended defenseman Cole. He is suspected of sexual harassment Tampa Bay took action after an anonymous Twitter user wrote that Cole molested her for four years, starting while she was a minor in high school. He allegedly demanded sex and made abusive and misogynistic comments.
Club management is investigating the matter with the NHL. “As we gather more details, we have decided to suspend Ian Cole pending the outcome of the investigation,” Tampa Bay said in a statement.
Cole denies the allegations. I will fully cooperate with the NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning, their representatives, and their attorneys in the investigation. I look forward to having my name cleared and showing the NHL and Tampa Bay that these allegations are unfounded. “I will not comment further until the investigation is over,” Cole said in a statement.
He completed 12 seasons in the NHL, during which he played for St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Colorado, Minnesota, and most recently the Carolinas. He won the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017. He agreed to a one-year contract with Tampa Bay in the summer for $3 million.
