NHL determines that Rielly didn't utter derogatory slur

After an investigation, the NHL has determined that Toronto Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly did not say a homophobic slur that was seen as directed to referee Brad Meier against the Tampa Bay Lightning yesterday.

After an investigation, Senior EVP of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell made this statement regarding what took place last night.

Following a thorough investigation, the National Hockey League has determined that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman 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. League officials interviewed several of the participants in the game - including Rielly and Meier - and reviewed audio of the alleged incident. All of those interviewed denied that Rieilly uttered a slur and the audio supported their statements. The National Hockey League does not tolerate language or gestures that disparage anyone based upon 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.

During tonight's @TBLightning - @MapleLeafs game, microphones picked up a player using a homophobic slur seemingly directed towards a referee. Not entirely sure who the player was, but it seems like Morgan Rielly was that player based on reports.

NSFW (around 6 seconds). pic.twitter.com/O0eI5KV5uQ
— Hockey Daily (@HockeyDaily365) March 12, 2019