SUNRISE, FL – OCTOBER 6: Ian Cole #28 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates with the puck prior to an NHL preseason game against the Florida Panthers at the FLA Live Arena on October 6, 2022 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Lightning suspended defenseman Ian Cole pending an investigation into allegations made on social media that he sexually abused a woman when she was a minor.
The Lightning said Sunday night they were fully cooperating with the NHL on an investigation and were 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 Sunday the league had launched an investigation. Daly added the league had no prior knowledge of the allegations until they were posted on social media.
Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters.
Cole’s agent did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Cole is a 33-year-old veteran playing with his seventh organization.
