Panthers Exec Cifu Suspended for Online Posts

Douglas Cifu, vice chairman and alternate governor of the Florida Panthers, has been indefinitely suspended by the NHL after posting inflammatory and politically charged comments on social media. In now-deleted posts on X, Cifu used vulgar language, referred to Canada as the '51st state' in reference to Donald Trump, and made controversial statements about the Israel-Palestine conflict, including accusations of antisemitism. The NHL deemed his behavior unacceptable and inappropriate, leading to his immediate suspension from all league and team activities pending a meeting with the Commissioner. The incident followed a heated playoff game between the Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs, escalating public criticism. The Panthers organization has not released a statement. The NHL's action emphasizes its commitment to curbing inappropriate executive conduct during major events.