Chris Simon, an American Indian with the Washington Capitals, was suspended indefinitely by the NHL on Sunday amid accusations he shouted a racial slur at a black player on the Edmonton Oilers.
Simon made the remark to Mike Grier at the end of the Capitals-Oilers game Saturday night in Landover, Md., some players and two on-ice officials said.Simon, who honors his Ojibwa Tribe heritage with long hair and a tattoo, traveled with the Capitals to Florida for Sunday night's game. He had no comment on the issue, and the league did not disclose what Simon said.
The NHL on Monday will set a date for a hearing to determine the length of the suspension.
The league suspended Simon after talking to him and the officials by telephone.
The Capitals-Oilers game ended with players shouting at each other. The officials broke them up before any punches were thrown. A gross misconduct penalty was called on Simon at 20:00 of the third period.
"I definitely heard a racial slur from Mr. Simon," Oilers coach Ron Low said. "I thought with his race and proud background that he wouldn't do that."
Bryan Lewis, NHL vice president of officiating, confirmed Low's account.
"Yes, there were racial remarks made on the ice," he said.
Grier had no comment after the game.
"It's ridiculous. Mike is a class guy and I'm embarrassed for him," Oilers center Doug Weight said.