Panthers Exec Doug Cifu Suspended for Online Posts

Florida Panthers minority owner and vice chairman Doug Cifu, who is also CEO of Virtu Financial, has been indefinitely suspended by the NHL after making inflammatory social media posts directed at a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, including remarks about the Israel-Hamas conflict and derogatory language. The incident occurred after Game 4 of the Panthers-Maple Leafs playoff series, with Cifu referencing political rhetoric about Canada as the '51st state' and making strong pro-Israel comments. The NHL described his posts as 'unacceptable and inappropriate,' suspending him from all team and league activities pending an in-person meeting with Commissioner Gary Bettman. Cifu has apologized, stating his actions did not reflect the Panthers' values. The playoff series between the Panthers and Maple Leafs is tied 2-2. This is not the first time Cifu has faced scrutiny for his social media conduct, as ownership had previously issued warnings.