The NHL has ruled that Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman, Morgan Rielly, did not utter a homophibic slur during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night.
Television cameras picked up what sounded like a slur with 1:51 left to play in the second period as Tampa Bay's Yanni Gourde and Toronto's Morgan Rielly skated into the Maple Leafs' defensive zone on a dump in.
The league released the results of their investigation on Tuesday afternoon.
Statement from Senior EVP of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell on investigation of @TBLightning - @MapleLeafs game last night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/R3j7n1oJt9
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2019
Two hours after the game Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas also issued a statement.
``The Club is aware of the reports surrounding a homophobic slur used during the Maple Leafs versus Lightning game on Monday night,'' said Dubas. ``The issue of homophobia is one the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club strongly condemns and takes very seriously. We are in communication with the NHL and are co-operating fully with their office.''