NHL Confirmed That Morgan Rielly did not use Homophobic Slur at Referee

The NHL did an investigation on Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly over the accusation that he used a homophobic slur towards a referee during Monday night game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Some spectators thought they heard him use the slur on an on-ice microphone on Sportsnet broadcast.

During that moment Rielly showed that he was upset at referee Brad Meier about a missed penalty call. The moment went viral across Deadspin and social media. The NHL immediately investigated the incident reviewing audio and video. There’s was a debate all over social media on whether Rielly used the homophobic f-word or if he said, “F*cking rag it”.

6) Here is a video with audio and subtitles. I HIGHLY suggest you listen to this with headphones/earphones. Streamable Link: https://t.co/g63GltYUdK pic.twitter.com/PZKpGZoB8y

— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 12, 2019

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

“Rag it”- is a hockey term that essentially means to freeze the puck and waste time.  

Statement from Senior EVP of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell on investigation of @TBLightning – @MapleLeafs game last night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/R3j7n1oJt9

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2019

After deep investigation, the NHL determined that Rielly did not use the slur.  

Leafs GM Kyle Dubas made a statement about the incident.

“The Club is aware of the reports surrounding a homophobic slur used during the Maple Leafs versus Lightning game on Monday night. The issue of homophobia is one the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club strongly condemns and takes very seriously. We are in communication with the NHL and are cooperating fully with their office.”

The NHL has now officially completed its investigation and has cleared Rielly of any wrongdoing:

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