PITTSBURGH — The NHL’s investigation into anonymous sexual abuse and grooming accusations against Lightning defenseman Ian Cole "found no evidence to substantiate the allegations,” the league announced Saturday in a news release.
The Lightning, who had suspended Cole pending the results of the investigation, have cleared him to return to the team.
“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 Lightning. “I’m looking forward to returning to the ice with my teammates and will have no further comments on this matter going forward.”
The investigation, which was conducted by the NHL’s security and league departments, included two interviews with Cole as well as league personnel and other individuals with potentially relevant information, the league said.
While the investigation also included detailed reviews of online and social media, public information including court record and law enforcement checks, the league said it was unable to make contact with the accuser, who posted the accusations Oct. 7 on Twitter under the pseudonym Emily Smith (@emily_smith3333).
“On the basis of the foregoing,” the league’s release read, “the National Hockey League now considers this matter closed.”
The Lightning quickly followed with a release of their own, stating that the organization supports the findings of the league’s investigation and have cleared Cole to return.
“The organization takes these accusations very seriously and supports the conclusion from the NHL investigation,” the Lightning release reads. “We look forward to Ian returning to the team and appreciate his full cooperation throughout the process of this investigation.”
The Lightning shared a statement from Cole in the release.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to respond to and refute the anonymous allegations made against me, which I categorically deny,” he said. “I’m looking forward to returning to the ice with my teammates and will have no further comments on this matter going forward.”
The Lightning organization, including players and coaches, will not make any further comment on the matter, the release said.
