Rumor: Nazem Kadri victim of racism/threats after collision of Binnington.
Law enforcement is reportedly involved.
Earlier today reports began to emerge indicating that Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri would not face supplemental discipline from the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety following a collision that injured St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington in Game 3 of the second round series between the Avalanche and the Blues. The disciplinary arm of the NHL determined that contact between Blues defenseman Calle Rosen and Kadri prior to the collision with Binnington played a significant role in the incident, meaning that Kadri will face no punishment in spite of the fact that we now know Binnington is out for the remainder of the series.
You can see why this might lead you down a path of frustration if you're a fan of the St. Louis Blues, or just one of Kadri's many detractors, but it would now appear that some have taken that frustration much, much too far.
Although there has been no comment from Kadri at the time of this writing, former National Hockey League player turned activist Akim Aliu reported on Sunday that Kadri had been the target of racism and serious threats. This appears to be no laughing matter either, with Aliu indicating that the threats were serious enough that law enforcement has become involved in the matter.
From Aliu:
Talked to [Nazem Kadri] about his inadvertent collision with Binnington. Naz has been subject to so many racist attacks and threats since last night that police had to be brought in. Racist attacks like this have no place in hockey and should be investigated and reported on.
I'm only labeling this one a rumor for the time being due to the fact that we've only heard from Aliu on this matter and still don't have anything official to go on.
Update: The Avalanche have now confirmed what Aliu has claimed.
I suspect that both Kadri and the Avalanche have been instructed to avoid drawing any more attention to this behavior, with the hopes of avoiding any further attacks of this nature, but it is pretty extreme that an NHL hockey player is being subjected to this in the middle of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
It shouldn't have to be said but if the thought of engaging in this type of behavior has ever crossed your mind, please refrain from doing so.
