NHLPA scolds league for suspending Ian Cole; 'grossly unfair'

The union representing NHL players has responded to the league reinstating Ian Cole after it could find no evidence to corroborate allegations of sexual assault. The NHLPA is happy the suspension is over, but not so pleased over the fact that Cole was ever suspended in the first place. In a statement, the union made it clear that players should never be suspended due to unsubstantiated allegations. Here's the PA's statement in full:

The NHL said it interviewed Cole and club personnel that may have relevant information, but claimed several attempts to contact the source of the anonymous social media post failed. Not being able to reach the source of the allegations means there's nothing for the league to go on other than unsubstantiated accusations made by an anonymous source on social media. That post remains up on Twitter to this day.

The Players Association's stance isn't really surprising. The organization is there to protect players. It does raise an interesting debate, though and one that's sure to have many people on both sides. Should a player in the NHL (or any league) be suspended over accusations, or should there be some kind of hard proof first?

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