Former Penguin Cole Faces Accusations Involving Minor Female

The  Tampa Bay Lightning, who face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, on Sunday suspended defenseman Ian Cole, a former Penguins player, after allegations surfaced that he groomed and sexually abused a minor female.

The Lightning and the NHL are investigating the claims, which appeared on social media, and his suspension is in effect during the investigation.

Cole, 33, played for the Penguins from 2014-15 through part of 2017-18 and won two Stanley Cups with them. It is not known whether the alleged incidents happened while he was with the Penguins. He played for St. Louis prior to joining the Penguins, and has since played for Columbus, Colorado, Minnesota and Carolina, and is in his first season with Tampa Bay.

The allegations were made by a female who apparently used an alias on Twitter. The tweet outlining those allegations appears below, but note that the content could be disturbing to many readers.

My statement on being groomed and sexually abused by Tampa Bay Lightning and NHL player Ian Cole. @TBLightning @NHL #tampabaylightning #Canes #NHL #IanCole pic.twitter.com/IJ438bhodt

— Emily Smith (@emily_smith3333) October 7, 2022

Cole reportedly has denied the allegations.

Statement from Ian Cole, via agent pic.twitter.com/nZdzooKh60

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 10, 2022