NHL commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement Sunday after four fans were ejected from the United Center during the Blackhawks-Capitals game late Saturday night for directing racial taunts at a Capitals player.
Forward Devante Smith-Pelly was sitting in the penalty box during the third period when, according to a Capitals spokesperson, the fans began provoking him with chants of “basketball, basketball, basketball.”
Smith-Pelly is one of around 30 black players in the NHL.
Smith-Pelly arose from his seat and walked toward the glass that separates the penalty box from the stands. A video shows Smith-Pelly exchanging words with the fans through the glass before an NHL official intervened. United Center security was called and escorted the fans from the building.
“Last night in Chicago, individuals directed racial taunts and abuse at Washington Capitals player Devante Smith-Pelly,” Bettman said in a statement. “The National Hockey League condemns this unacceptable and reprehensible behavior. The league fully supports the actions taken by the United Center and the Blackhawks to eject the offenders and would expect the same response to any similarly unacceptable behavior at any of our arenas.”
Bettman’s statement went on to say the “incident was isolated” and that nobody “should ever have to endure such abuse at one of our games.”
“The league will take steps to have our clubs remind all stakeholders that they are entitled to enjoy a positive environment — free from unacceptable, inappropriate, disruptive, inconsiderate or unruly behaviors or actions and many not engage in conduct deemed detrimental to that experience.”
The league designated February “Hockey Is for Everyone” month, a program that promotes inclusion in hockey regardless of “race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and those with disabilities.”
The Blackhawks held their “Hockey Is for Everyone” night Thursday at the United Center.
Capitals coach Barry Trotz said after the game that Smith-Pelly was “upset” but the two hadn’t yet had a chance to talk.
“There’s absolutely no place in the game of hockey or our country for racism,” Trotz told reporters. “I think it’s disgusting. … Athletes in our country don’t deserve that. It just shows ignorance.”
On Thursday night, Smith-Pelly was shown squirting water toward a fan who allegedly was heckling him while he was in the penalty box.
In a statement released late Saturday night, the Blackhawks said they were “aware of an incident … involving a group of attendees who made harmful comments directed at … Devante Smith-Pelly.”
“The fans were immediately removed and we apologize to Smith-Pelly and the Washington Capitals organization,” the statement continued. “We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for everyone who attends our games and these actions will never be tolerated.”
The Hawks have not yet responded to a Tribune inquiry sent Sunday morning about whether or not the individuals ejected will be allowed back in the United Center.
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