TORONTO - The NHL says it has determined that Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly did not direct a homophobic slur at an official during Monday's 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Television cameras picked up what sounded like a slur with 1:51 left to play in the second period as Rielly and Tampa Bay's Yanni Gourde skated into Toronto's defensive zone on a dump in.
The NHL launched an investigation into the alleged incident shortly after the game.
"The National Hockey League has determined that Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly did not direct a homophobic slur at referee Brad Meier during last night's game with the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scotiabank Arena," Colin Campbell, the league's executive vice-president and director of hockey operations, said in a statement Tuesday.
"League officials interviewed several of the participants in the game -- including Rielly and Meier -- and reviewed video of the alleged incident. All of those interviewed adamantly denied that Rielly uttered a slur and the audio supported their statements.
"The National Hockey League does not tolerate language or gestures that disparage anyone based on their race, creed or sexual orientation and continues to work to ensure that our games are played in a welcoming atmosphere for all of our players, coaches officials and fans."
