Posted on 05/13/2025 3:36:49 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The posts were apparently made on Sunday, as the Panthers evened the series at 2-2 with a 2-0 win over the Leafs.
A Florida Panthers executive and team minority owner has been suspended by the National Hockey League for what they called "unacceptable and inappropriate" social media posts.
Douglas Cifu, the team's vice chairman, partner, and alternate governor, was suspended by the NHL for posts he allegedly made on X.
"The NHL has concluded that Mr. Cifu’s X posts were unacceptable and inappropriate. As a result, Mr. Cifu has been suspended indefinitely from any involvement with the Club and the NHL,” the league said in a statement Tuesday. “An in-person meeting will be scheduled with Mr. Cifu and the Commissioner at a date to be determined."
Vice Chairman, Partner & Alternate Governor Douglas A. Cifu of the Florida Panthers on January 2, 2016 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Sanzare/NHLI via Getty Images) The suspension was first reported by the Toronto Sun, which reported that Cifu made the posts during an exchange with a Toronto Maple Leafs fan as the Panthers face the Leafs in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Leafs fan had posted about hits some Panthers' players have made in the series and compared them with the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Sun reported.
"Eat s*** 51st state anti-semite loser. Israel now and forever. Until ever (sic) last Hamas rat is eliminated," Cifu reportedly responded, referring to President Trump's comments about making Canada the 51st state.
The posts were apparently made on Sunday, as the Panthers evened the series at 2-2 with a 2-0 win over the Leafs. Cifu's X account was later deactivated.
According to his team bio, Cifu is also Chief Executive Officer of Virtu Financial, a financial technology company, which he co-founded along with Panthers Owner Vincent Viola in 2008.
NBC6 asked for a statement from the Panthers but were referred to a statement Cifu gave to Florida Hockey Now.
"Two days ago, I posted regrettable and inflammatory comments on social media," Cifu wrote in the statement. "My behavior does not reflect the standards of the Florida Panthers organization and the Viola family. "I sincerely apologize to all those affected by my comments. I am committed to working with the NHL to amend my actions."
How dare he exercise free speech and defend the Jooooooooos...
What did he say that was wrong?.....
What? Because he triggered a snowflake?
(let me know if you want on or off the list)
He triggered a Toronto snowflake. The worst kind.
Free speech, but poor taste, and reflects poorly on the business side of the house (not to mention the human component). Free speech is not without consequences…especially at this level. And I’m a Panthers fan.
1967
Thanks for the Rino cuck response.
you do realize that free speech has never been free of consequences.
I am not sure what he was trying to say, but still it sounded pretty stupid
Sounds okay to me someone needs to gets this out there so he can get the support he deserves.
He posted a fact on X.
So he violated an X post facto law.
Standards? In the NHL? That is rich.
Wow, just like in the UK.
He should sue the NHL into oblivion.
I guess the memo to the NHL that people are tired of woke (to use the semi literate ghetto term) bs is lost in the mail. Hopefully there will be a price to pay.
What’s his freerepublic handle?
So what’s the problem? He is representing an organization that’s based in Florida.
** you do realize that free speech has never been free of consequences. **
Even here.
"Kim Davis, as the NHL's Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives, and Legislative Affairs, is a key figure in the league's commitment to diversity. She plays a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies to increase diversity and inclusion within the NHL, including initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining diverse fans and employees."
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