The Tampa Bay Lightning signed Ian Cole this summer to a 1-year, $3 million contract in order to solidify the left side of the defense in the wake of Ryan McDonagh’s departure from the team via a trade with the Nashville Predators. Over the weekend, accusations of sexual assault and grooming emerged on Twitter against the 33-year-old defenseman.
A Twitter user with the handle Emily Smith posted a long, detailed statement claiming that Cole maintained a four-year relationship with her that started while she was in high school. The statement continues with accusations that Cole also bragged about his relationship with his NHL teammates and made repeated misogynistic comments to the victim, who was an underaged minor at the time the relationship began.
The author of the Tweet also states that Cole continued the behavior with another high school student and became “angry and dismissive” when confronted.
Please note the following Tweet contains language that details sexual and emotional abuse.
While the wording of the statement indicates these actions happened prior to the Lightning signing him this summer, it is imperative that the organization take this claim seriously and open an investigation. As of publication, the team has not responded to a request for a statement. According to a Tweet from The Tampa Bay Times Eduardo Encina, the team is aware of the situation and is investigating:
According to The Athletic‘s Katie Strang and others, the NHL is also aware of these allegations and is “looking into them”:
NHL is aware of the allegations of grooming and sexual assault involving Ian Cole. According to deputy commissioner Bill Daly, the league is looking into them.
— Katie Strang (@KatieJStrang) October 9, 2022
A National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-656-4673 and other resources are available at rain.org.
Editor’s Note: As we often do with posts that deal with sensitive topics such as sexual assault, we have removed the ability to comment. Thank you for your understanding.