Bolts suspend Ian Cole after sexual abuse allegations
Tampa Bay Lightning has suspended defense counsel Ian Cole pending an investigation into allegations made on social media that he sexually abused a woman while she was a minor.
The Lightning said Sunday night it has cooperated fully with the NHL in an investigation and is making the decision to suspend Cole until they gather more details.
“Our organization takes these allegations very seriously,” the team said in a statement.
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told the Associated Press earlier on Sunday that the union had opened an investigation. Daly added that the federation had no prior knowledge of the allegations until they were posted on social media.
Cole’s representative did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Cole is a 33-year-old veteran who plays with his seventh organization.