Blackhawks’ Andrew Shaw suspended for homophobic slur
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Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw has been suspended one game for use of a homophobic slur during Chicago’s Game 4 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.
Andrew Shaw's gay slur another black eye for Blackhawks
The NHL announced the suspension in addition to a $5,000 fine for an inappropriate gesture that Shaw made toward on-ice officials. Both incidents took place after Shaw drew an interference penalty late in the third period for shoving Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, toppling him into the goal. The two-minute minor put the Blackhawks down a man for the nearly the entire final two minutes of a game they were trailing 4–3.
Chicago couldn’t muster the tying goal and now trails the Blues three games to one entering Game 5 in St. Louis on Thursday.
Shaw will also be required by the NHL to undergo sensitivity training.
“While Mr. Shaw was apologetic and remorseful for both the offensive comments and the inappropriate gesture directed at the on-ice officials, he must be held accountable for his actions,” said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. “The emotion of the moment cannot and will not be a mitigating factor for the conduct that is expected of an NHL player.”