The Tampa Bay Lightning signed Ian Cole this summer to a 1-year, $3 million contract in order to solidify the left side of the defense in the wake of Ryan McDonagh’s departure from the team via a trade with the Nashville Predators. Over the weekend, accusations of sexual assault and grooming emerged on Twitter against the 33-year-old defenseman.
A Twitter user with the handle Emily Smith posted a long, detailed statement claiming that Cole maintained a four-year relationship with her that started while she was in high school. The statement continues with accusations that Cole also bragged about his relationship with his NHL teammates and made repeated misogynistic comments to the victim, who was an underaged minor at the time the relationship began.