Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole is the target of allegations of grooming and sexual abuse on the social network Twitter.
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Before discussing the details of these allegations, it is important to specify that they come from an anonymous account which includes only one publication, a long press release in which the National Hockey League skater is accused of actions. (NHL).
NHL Assistant Commissioner Bill Daly told sports website The Athletic that his league is “aware of the allegations” and is looking into them. ESPN has confirmed that Cole and the Lightning’s agents are aware of the allegations.
“It’s taken me years to work up the courage to talk about it and I’ve decided to do so anonymously, because unfortunately I feel it’s the only way for me to be completely transparent by avoiding harassment and reprisals, ”wrote the alleged victim in his long missive.
“I suffered from grooming from Ian Cole for four years when I was a minor and in high school. My first sex with Ian was when I was underage and in high school. He had been playing in the NHL for several years at that time. He was aware of my age and knew I was a teenager.
The woman also alleges that Cole repeatedly breached her consent and allegedly did the same with other students at her school. She also accuses the NHL of allowing its athletes to engage in such behavior.
“Ian gave himself the right to emotionally and sexually abuse me and other women because the NHL fosters a culture of misogyny. The NHL must recognize that it and its players are responsible for creating an environment conducive to misogynistic and predatory behavior.”
Cole must play his 13e season in the Bettman circuit in 2022-2023, he who signed a one-year contract worth $ 3 million with the Lightning last July. He previously played for the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes.