Tampa Bay Lightning suspend Ian Cole pending investigation into allegations of sexual abuse

The Tampa Bay Lightning suspended defenseman Ian Cole on Sunday night pending an investigation into allegations made on social media that he sexually abused a woman when she was a minor.

In a statement, the Lightning said they are aware of the allegations against Cole and are cooperating fully with the NHL on an investigation.

«Our organization takes these allegations very seriously,» the team's statement read. «While we continue to gather more details, we have decided to suspend Ian Cole pending the results of an investigation. No members of the organization, including players, will comment further at this time.»

The allegations against Cole were made in a statement posted to Twitter on Friday by an anonymous user. The person writes that Cole groomed her over four years «starting when I was a minor in high school» and notes that Cole was «well aware of my age» at the time of the alleged sexual relationship.

The Twitter post did not specify where or when the alleged encounters occurred.

The Lightning would not clarify when contacted by ESPN whether the investigation into the allegations against Cole would be conducted by the team, league or law enforcement.

A message seeking comment from Cole's agent was not immediately returned.

Cole, 33, is entering his 13th NHL season. He signed a one-year free-agent deal worth $3 million with the Lightning during the offseason and was expected to be in their lineup when Tampa Bay opens the regular season on Tuesday at the New York Rangers.

Cole made his NHL debut with St. Louis in 2010 and played five seasons for the Blues before being traded to Pittsburgh. He has also played for Columbus, Colorado, Minnesota and Carolina

The Associated Press contributed to this report.