On Wednesday, the National Hockey League announced that Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw had received a one game suspension as well as a $5,000 fine. The one game suspension was punishment for making a homophobic slur during a game and the fine for inappropriate gestures directed towards a referee. Shaw will also be required to attend sensitivity training sessions. The incident occurred during Tuesday’s 2016 Stanley Cup Playoff game between the Blackhawks and rival St. Louis Blues. Late in the game, Shaw was assessed a penalty and on his way towards the box, in anger, stuck up both his middle fingers and shouted as well. Once he reached the penalty box, he was caught by live television cameras saying a homophobic slur towards a referee. he would continue to repeatedly shout the slur several times.
After the game, when asked by the media what he had said, Shaw said he had no recollection of what he said and could not remember. Shortly after the incident broke wind, the You Can Play Project, a non-profit organization that encourages inclusion and respect for all athletes no matter their sexual orientation, went to the National Hockey League regarding the situation. Let it be known that the organization was co-founded by NHL Director of Player Safety Patrick Burke.
Andrew Shaw faced the media on Wednesday and publicly apologized saying, “I have no excuses for anything. I’ll never use that word again for sure.”
“While Mr. Shaw was apologetic and remorseful for both the offensive comments and the inappropriate gesture directed at the on-ice officials, he must be held accountable for his actions,” said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell via a press release. “The emotion of the moment cannot and will not be a mitigating factor for the conduct that is expected of an NHL player.”
The Blackhawks return to St. Louis on Thursday to play a decisive game 5, a game that can end the Blackhawks’ season with the Blues currently being up three games to one in the series.
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