"Chicago Blackhawks' Andrew Shaw suspended, fined for using homophobic slur"

syracuse.com

"CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw has been suspended one game and ordered to undergo sensitivity training after uttering an anti-gay slur from the penalty box to someone on the ice in Chicago's Game 4 loss at home to the St. Louis Blues... He will miss Game 5 in St. Louis... when the Blues, who are up 3-1 in the series, will try to knock the defending Stanley Cup champions out of the playoffs.

'While Mr. Shaw was apologetic and remorseful for both the offensive comments and the inappropriate gesture directed at the on-ice officials, he must be held accountable for his actions,' NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell said in a statement. 'The emotion of the moment cannot and will not be a mitigating factor for the conduct that is expected of an NHL player.'

Speaking before the team left for St. Louis, Shaw said he couldn't sleep after Tuesday night's game and that watching video of his outburst was difficult. It was video of the incident that went viral on social media, prompting sharp criticism and an NHL investigation.

'It was hard to see. Emotions got the best of me,' Shaw said, adding that he understands why the slur is considered hurtful. 'I'll never use that word again, that's for sure. ... That's not the type of guy I am.'

'I apologize to many people, including the gay and lesbian community, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, Blackhawks fans and anyone else I may have offended,' he said. 'I know my words were hurtful, and I will learn from my mistake.'"