The NHL said Saturday it found no evidence to confirm allegations posted on social media against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole and concluded its investigation.
The league said it was unable to reach the unnamed source of the Oct. 7 social media post as part of the investigation by its security and legal departments.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to respond and refute the anonymous allegations made against me, which I categorically deny,” Cole said in a statement released by the team announcing his reinstatement. I can’t wait to get back on the ice with my teammates and I won’t have any further comment on that. »
The Lightning suspended Cole on Oct. 9, pending investigation into allegations he sexually abused a woman when she was underage.
Among allegations posted anonymously on Twitter by an account created last month, the person said that after he reached the NHL, Cole pressured her to repeatedly have sex while she was a minor. In the post, the person accused Cole of emotional and sexual abuse.
The NHL said the investigation included two separate interviews with Cole as well as interviews with Lightning staff and others with potentially relevant information. She added that the investigation also included a detailed review of online and social media, public data, court records and law enforcement checks.
“Our organization takes these accusations very seriously and supports the conclusion of the NHL’s investigation,” the Lightning said in a statement. We look forward to Ian’s return to the team and appreciate his full cooperation throughout the process of this investigation. »
The 33-year-old Cole, who hails from Michigan, played 670 season games with the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes.
Cole signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Lightning in July.