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."
** you do realize that free speech has never been free of consequences. **
“Even here.”
Everywhere, but fortunately the mods have never ever removed or censored anything I have posted cause they are all really nice people
I happen to love the Jews. In fact, most of my relatives are Jewish and I’m a proud of you. How about you!
Just to set the record straight so everybody is aware that the NHL president Gary Bettman is also Jewish.
Yes, Gary Bettman, the NHL Commissioner, is Jewish. He was raised in a Jewish family, was bar mitzvahed, and his family celebrates Jewish holidays. He has stated that his Jewish identification is a significant part of who he is.
But he probably is in the liberal side of reformed Judaism, who hates Israel
Did he say something wrong? OH.......he supports Israel! I get it now.
Good Gawd if they have to make up a position and title like that you know it's total BS.
I think this has zero do with the Jews. It’s the 51st state comment that got him suspended. The NHL is a business and Canadians are the NHL’s best customers. Do that in any business and you’re suspended or fired.
1993
Panthers are winning Game 5: 5-0
Bwahahahahaha.......1967, Indeed!
6-1 final. Leafs really stunk up the place..
Meanwhile, also from Florida...
Bwahahahahaha 5-1 Florida in Game 7.
Bye Bye Losers!
Same question.
And now it’s 6-1 again!
And the fans are booing again. Marchand is truly a Leaf killer!
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