Andrew Shaw has now been suspended one game following his apology for the apparent use of a homophobic slur during Tuesday night’s NHL playoffs game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues.
Shaw was sent off the ice close to the end of the third period for interference. On his way to the penalty box, he appeared to give a double middle finger to the referees, but it was his conduct in the penalty box that is making headlines this morning.
While sitting in the box, many are saying Shaw shouted what appears to be a homophobic slur at someone on the ice. The broadcast audio did not pick up what Shaw said
When questioned after the game, Shaw said “I don’t know what I said. I wasn’t happy with the call,” according to Chris Kuc, sports writer for the Chicago Tribune.
But in his statement Wednesday morning, Shaw said he is “sincerely sorry for the insensitive remarks he made while in the penalty box.”
When I got home and saw the video, it was evident that what I did was wrong, no matter the circumstances. I apologize to many people, including the gay and lesbian community, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, Blackhawks fans and anyone else I may have offended. I know my words were hurtful and I will learn from my mistake.
The You Can Play Project, which works to breakdown homophobia in sport, tweeted that they are reaching out to the NHL immediately.
In a statement, the Chicago Blackhawks said they are “extremely disappointed in Andrew Shaw’s actions last night.”
His comments do not reflect what we stand for as an organization. We are proud to have an inclusive and respectful environment, and to support various initiatives such as the You Can Play Project and the Chicago Gay Hockey Association. We will use this opportunity to further educate our players and organization moving forward, so that we all may learn from it.
The Blackhawks lost to the Blues, 4-3.
Some have taken to social media to criticize Shaw for his actions:
But not everyone thinks Shaw did something wrong:
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