Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole has been reinstated after the NHL concluded its investigation due to a lack of evidence.
The league said it was unable to make contact with the anonymous source of the Oct. 7 social media post in the investigation conducted by its Security and Legal departments.
Cole was immediately reinstated by the Lightning, who had suspended him with pay.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to respond to and refute the anonymous allegations made against me, which I categorically deny,” Cole said in a statement released by the team in announcing his reinstatement.
“I’m looking forward to returning to the ice with my teammates and will have no further comments on this matter going forward.”
An anonymous user posted a lengthy statement on Twitter on Oct. 7 accusing Cole of sexually abusing and grooming her as a minor. The person, who identified herself as “Emily Smith,” said she initially met Cole while she was in high school and that they had a relationship lasting four years.
The NHL said the investigation included two separate interviews with Cole as well as interviews with NHL club personnel and other individuals with potentially relevant information. It added it also included a detailed review of on-line and social media, public data, and court records and law enforcement checks.
Cole, 33, signed with the Lightning as a free agent this summer. The suspension will reportedly be a topic of discussion for the NHLPA as the union is concerned about the precedent of suspending a player based on anonymous allegations.
“The organization takes these accusations very seriously and supports the conclusion from the NHL investigation,” the Lightning said in a statement. “We look forward to Ian returning to the team and appreciate his full cooperation throughout the process of this investigation.”
