Lightning suspend Ian Cole after sexual assault allegations.

It looks like National Hockey League veteran Ian Cole may not be starting the season with the Tampa Bay Lightning after all.

Over the weekend, the NHL defenseman was the target of extremely serious accusations when a Twitter user identified only as 'Emily Smith' shared a post that went into great detail regarding her physical relationship with Ian Cole. While the women did express a belief that she was the victim of sexual assault, the most damning part of the accusations stems from the fact that she claims she was underaged and a minor at the time of her alleged sexual encounters with Cole.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, who signed Cole as a free agent back in July, have now suspended Cole as a result of these accusations and appear to intend to continue to do so until a full investigation has been conducted into this matter. Here is the full unedited statement released by the Lightning:

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning today issued the following statement regarding defenseman lan Cole.


"The Tampa Bay Lightning is aware of the allegations against player lan Cole and are cooperating fully with the NHL on an investigation. Our organization takes these allegations very seriously. While we continue to gather more details, we have decided to suspend lan Cole pending the results of an investigation. No members of the organization, including players, will comment further at this time."