The NHL is reportedly investigating Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw for using gay slurs in Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues, reports Craig Custance of ESPN.com.
NHL has alerted the Blackhawks that they're investigating Shaw comments. Wouldn't expect comment from NHL until that is complete.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) April 20, 2016
Shaw had a meltdown in the game. With the Hawks trailing by a goal with just over two minutes to play, he took an incredibly dumb interference penalty. Shaw lost his mind following the call, flipping off the refs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zG-zcrZnQw
What was more concerning was Shaw visibly yelling gay slurs from the penalty box.
https://vine.co/v/iFrxKIxHmJB
Shaw might have dropped another slur during the previous scrum.
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/722642808553762816
Shaw continued to play dumb after the game, telling Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune he wasn’t sure what he said on the ice.
“I mean, emotions are high, I really don’t know what’s said,” Shaw said. “I was obviously upset with the call being that late in the game (as) it doesn’t give us a chance to tie it up.”
When asked again if he used the slur, Shaw replied: “Like I just said, I can repeat myself for you. Emotions were high. I don’t know what was said. Obviously, I was upset with the call. It was late in the game like that. I wasn’t happy with the call.”
Unless Shaw blacked out on the ice, this is a hilariously poor excuse to cover up saying something inexcusable. If his first thought is to call someone a homophobic slur when things didn’t go his way, he’s not a smart man. Considering Shaw might have used the slurs multiple times, I’d bet he remember exactly what he says and just doesn’t want to face the music.
If the NHL wants to do the right thing, they’ll suspend Shaw to set an example.
The league has worked with groups like You Can Play to become more inclusive and attempt to end homophobia in the sport, and Shaw’s comments prove there’s still plenty of work to be done. If the NHL suspends him, it will send a message to fellow players that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated.
