The NHL has opened an investigation into former Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon after he allegedly used a racial slur. The alleged racial slur usage took place while Tallon was with the team in Toronto for the Stanley Cup qualifying round.
The league confirmed it was “looking into the matter,” but gave no further information into the situation or the timeline of the investigation. Neither the NHL nor the Panthers clarified when Tallon allegedly said the slur or what he said.
Breaking news: The NHL is investigating former #FlaPanthers GM Dale Tallon for allegedly using racially-charged language while in the Toronto bubble: https://t.co/qNFTkmRC3A
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) August 28, 2020
Dale Tallon Alleged Racial Slur Use
The initial investigation from Florida Hockey Now claimed that neither the NHL nor the Florida Panthers were willing to comment on the investigation. Tallon also declined to comment after repeated calls and texts from Florida Hockey Now.
This news comes as the NHL followed the likes of the NBA, WNBA, and a number of MLS and MLB teams in postponing its playoff games in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake. To show support for the continued fight against police violence toward Black people, the NHL did not play on Thursday and will not play its scheduled games on Friday. Just yesterday, the Panthers tweeted their support of the Black Lives Matter movement and the end of racial justice.
We as #OneTerritory stand in support of the athletes and sports leagues who are pausing operations to bring light to racial injustice. Keep using your voice.
#BlackLivesMatter— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) August 27, 2020
Tallon Parted With Panthers on August 10
Florida fired Tallon on August 10 after the New York Islanders trounced the Panthers in the qualifying round. During Tallon’s 10 years with the team, he led Florida to one playoff series win. It is not clear whether Florida knew about his alleged use of the racial slur before they made the decision not to renew his contract. However, a team source told Florida Hockey now that Tallon’s firing had nothing to due with his alleged use of racially-charged language.
The Panthers began the search for a new general manager after parting with Tallon. Apparently the team interviewed at least 12 possible replacements.
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