Shaw apologizes for homophobic slur, Blackhawks 'extremely disappointed'
Andrew Shaw apologized Wednesday for using a homophobic slur late in the Chicago Blackhawks' Game 4 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
"I am sincerely sorry for the insensitive remarks that I made last night while in the penalty box," Shaw said in a statement.
Shaw was seen uttering the slur twice Tuesday night - immediately after he was given an interference penalty with just over two minutes left in the game, and again while sitting in the penalty box.
"When I got home and saw the video, it was evident that what I did was wrong, no matter the circumstances," Shaw said. "I apologize to many people, including the gay and lesbian community, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, Blackhawks fans and anyone else I may have offended. I know my words were hurtful and I will learn from my mistake."
He met the media briefly after the release of the statement and said he'll change his ways going forward.
Shaw: "I'll never use that word again, that's for sure." Shaw emotional during his brief presser. #Blackhawks
— Tracey Myers (@TramyersCSN) April 20, 2016
#Blackhawks Andrew Shaw clearly appeared shaken as he apologized for a homophobic slur during Game 4. "I have no excuses for anything."
— Mark Potash (@MarkPotash) April 20, 2016
"We are extremely disappointed in Andrew Shaw's actions last night," the Blackhawks said Wednesday in a statement of their own.
"His comments do not reflect what we stand for as an organization. We are proud to have an inclusive and respectful environment, and to support various initiatives such as the You Can Play Project and the Chicago Gay Hockey Association. We will use this opportunity to further educate our players and organization moving forward, so that we all may learn from it."
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed in an email to Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune that the league is looking into Shaw's comments.