NHL hands out ruling in Morgan Rielly homophobic slur investigation

In case you missed it, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly was accused of using a homophobic slur against a referee last night. While chasing a waived icing call, Rielly is accused of calling the referee a “f*cking f*ggot.”

Check it out:

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The NHL announced earlier today that it would investigate the alleged infraction:

The NHL is aware of reports that a homophobic slur was used during the Maple Leafs-Lightning game. The League is investigating the incident and will have no further comment until this investigation is completed.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2019

Additionally, Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas put out the following statement after the game and the allegations came to light:

"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:

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

For some insight into what may have actually happened and how Rielly ended up in this mess, check out this incredible bit of forensic work done by Leafs fan Flintor:

1) After giving it a long listen, I am convinced that Rielly did not say "Fucking F****t" on the ice, and what was heard was two separate voices: One that says “Fuck” and another that says “Rag it”. I believe the first to be Rielly’s and the second from someone from the TB bench
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 12, 2019

2) While walking the blue line, Rielly thinks he is hooked by Paquette. Right after, you hear a voice screaming something along the lines of “[inaudible] FUCKING HOOK…..”. I believe that this is Rielly’s voice, expressing frustration towards the ref for the non-call.
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 12, 2019

3) Shortly after, before Rielly crosses his own blue line you hear someone say “FUCK...”. This is the exact same tone of voice from before and is said by the same person (Again, I believe this is Rielly’s voice)
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 12, 2019

4) Right after we hear a voice in a different tone say “Rag it”. I’ve played this over hundreds of times and it is definitely two different tones. I strongly believe this is someone from the TB bench telling Yanni Gourde to “Rag it”. Rag the puck.
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 12, 2019

5) Rag: To retain possession of the puck by skillful skating and stickhandling without attempting to score, as a deliberate tactic intended to use up time. TB was on the PK, and since Gourde had time and space, it would be wise to waste as much of it as possible.
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 12, 2019

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

7) Here is part 2, using audio from the replay of the goal. Streamable Link: https://t.co/ELFGUZuhrz pic.twitter.com/y3FaWCF0Ei
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 12, 2019

8) Lastly, I believe that had Rielly really said that slur to the referee, he would have received a penalty. The fact that the referee had zero reaction is what made me doubt this.
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 12, 2019

9) Overall, I hope that Rielly really did not say that. In fact, I hope that nobody did. Homophobic slurs have absolutely no part in this game, or in this world. I hope the NHL and Toronto Maple Leafs are able resolve this matter.
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) March 12, 2019