It didn’t take long for Andrew Shaw and the Chicago Blackhawks to act.
Both the team and the Chicago forward issued statements Wednesday after Shaw was seen using a gay slur during the Blackhawks’ loss to the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoffs series.
Shaw got upset after referees sent him to the penalty box late in the game for interference. He responded by blowing up, giving the referees the middle finger before further escalating the situation in the penalty box, where video captured him using the derogatory, homophobic slur.
“I am sincerely sorry for the insensitive remarks that I made last night while in the penalty box,” Shaw said in a statement released by the club. “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 Blackhawks also issued the following statement:
“We 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 NHL announced later Wednesday it has suspended Shaw one game as a result of the incident.
Thumbnail photo via Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports Images
