Lightning Defenseman Suspended Amid Sexual Assault Investigation

The Tampa Bay Lightning have suspended defenseman Ian Cole indefinitely after sexual assault allegations have surfaced. Cole has allegedly groomed and assaulted underage women, something of course the league takes very seriously as they work with authorities on the matter.

The report surfaced on Sunday after a woman said Cole sexually assaulted her when she was a minor and groomed her over a four-year period. The Lightning had this to say in a statement:

The Tampa Bay Lightning is aware of the allegations against player Ian Cole and are cooperating fully with the NHL on an investigation. Our organization takes these allegations very seriously. While we continue to gather more details, we have decided to suspend Ian Cole pending the results of an investigation. No members of the organization, including players, will comment further at this time.

Cole via his agent released a statement late Sunday stating:

I take the allegations made against me today in an anonymous tweet very seriously. I completely deny these allegations and will fully cooperate with the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning, their officials and legal departments in the forthcoming investigation. I look forward to clearing my name and demonstrating to the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning that these allegations are unfounded. I will have no further comment until the NHL's investigation concludes.

Twitter user named Emily Smith released the following information on the matter:

My statement on being groomed and sexually abused by Tampa Bay Lightning and NHL player Ian Cole. @TBLightning @NHL #tampabaylightning #Canes #NHL #IanCole pic.twitter.com/IJ438bhodt
— Emily Smith (@emily_smith3333) October 7, 2022