The NHL announced on Saturday evening that the league has found no clear evidence in its investigation into Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole to substantiate the allegations of sexual assault and grooming of a minor made against him anonymously on Oct. 7.
According to the NHL, the league conducted multiple in-person interviews with Cole and several club personnel, reviewing online and social media, public data, and court records and law enforcement checks.
The league says that it attempted to reach out to the user who made the allegations against cole via an anonymous Twitter account but was unsuccessful.
As of now, the NHL considers this matter closed.
“The organization takes these accusations very seriously and supports the conclusion from the NHL investigation,” the Lightning said in a statement on Saturday.
“We look forward to Ian returning to the team and appreciate his full cooperation throughout the process of this investigation.”
Cole was suspended by the Lightning with pay on October 7th following the allegations made against him coming to light, with his reinstatement pending the results of the NHL’s investigation.
