Lightning reinstates Ian Cole after NHL closes investigation

The NHL said it found no evidence to substantiate sexual misconduct allegations against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole and considers the matter closed.

Cole was immediately reinstated by the Lightning, who had suspended him without pay.

«I'm grateful for the opportunity to respond to and refute the anonymous allegations made against me, which I categorically deny,» Cole said in a statement. «I'm looking forward to returning to the ice with my teammates and will have no further comments on this matter going forward.»

An anonymous user posted a lengthy statement on Twitter on Oct. 7 accusing Cole of sexually abusing and grooming her as a minor. The person identified as «Emily Smith» and said she initially met Cole while she was in high school, and they had a relationship that lasted for four years.

The league's investigation lasted a week and was conducted by the NHL's Security and Legal departments. The NHL said it was unable to make contact with the source of the Twitter account.

The league said it did a detailed review of online and social media, public data and court records as well as law enforcement checks, plus interviews with Cole and «other individuals with potentially relevant information.»

Cole, 33, signed with the Lightning as a free agent this summer. The suspension will be a topic of discussion for the NHLPA, sources told ESPN, as the union is concerned about the precedent of the league suspending a player due to anonymous allegations.