NHLPA chastises the Lightning and the NHL over their treatment of Ian Cole.

If you thought this matter was over and done with, guess again.

On Saturday night the National Hockey League announced that it had concluded its investigation into anonymous accusations that had been levied against veteran NHL player Ian Cole. In the league's statement, which you can read in full here, the NHL announced that it had found no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Cole and after being unable to contact the person making the anonymous allegations they now consider the matter concluded.

Altrhough the league itself, and perhaps by extension the Tampa Bay Lightning, would like this matter to be concluded the National Hockey League Players Association appears to have very different ideas. Following the league's statement, the NHLPA took to social media to excoriate both the NHL and the Lightning over their treatment of Cole. The NHLPA, rightfully, called into question how anonymous accusations made with no evidence could lead to a suspension, a decision that in my eyes has set a very dangerous precedent for the league.

Here is the full and unedited statement from the NHLPA:

We are pleased that the situation with lan Cole is now resolved and that the NHL has closed the matter. However, players should never be subiect to suspension or discipline in response to unsubstantiated and anonymous accusations. Removing a player from his team under these circumstances is inappropriate and grossly unfair. We are engaging the League in discussions on how to address similar situations in the future.

It's not hard to see how this could be abused by rival fans trying to get an advantage over an opposing team, especially when it comes to the Stanley Cup playoffs where every game could prove to be a pivotal moment in a series.

The good news on this front appears to be that the NHLPA is committed to finding a resolution that will work for all parties involved, with their commitment to work towards a solution clearly outlined in the last line of their statement. Unfortunately that will do little to change the fact that Cole was suspended based on the word of an anonymous user on social media alone, and I do wonder what ramifications may be coming down the line for the NHL and even potentially the Lightning who were the ones to officially issue the suspension.