NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL said Saturday it identified no proof to substantiate allegations posted on social media against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole and has concluded its investigation.
The league said it was unable to make call with the anonymous supply of the Oct. 7 social media submit in the investigation executed by its Safety and Legal departments.
“I’m grateful for the prospect to respond to and refute the nameless allegations designed against me, which I categorically deny,” Cole mentioned in a assertion introduced by the workforce in asserting his reinstatement. “I’m hunting ahead to returning to the ice with my teammates and will have no further feedback on this subject going ahead.”
The Lightning suspended Cole on Oct. 9 pending the investigation into the allegations that he sexually abused a girl when she was a minor.
Among the the allegations posted anonymously to Twitter by an account developed very last month, the individual said Cole pressured her into having intercourse many situations when she was a slight immediately after he experienced attained the NHL. In the putting up, the individual accused Cole of psychological and sexual abuse.
The NHL reported the investigation provided two different interviews with Cole as effectively as interviews with NHL club personnel and other people with likely related details. It added it also involved a in-depth evaluate of on-line and social media, community knowledge, and court documents and legislation enforcement checks.
“The group can take these accusations really severely and supports the summary from the NHL investigation,” the Lightning claimed in a assertion. “We glimpse ahead to Ian returning to the crew and enjoy his whole cooperation during the system of this investigation.”
The 33-year-previous Cole, from Ann Arbor, Michigan, has performed 670 typical-year game titles with St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Colorado, Minnesota and Carolina.
The previous Notre Dame participant signed a $3 million, one particular-12 months agreement with Tampa Bay in July.
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