Tue May 13 17:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**NHL Suspends Panthers Minority Owner Doug Cifu Over Offensive Social Media Posts**
NEW YORK, NY – The National Hockey League (NHL) has suspended Florida Panthers minority owner Doug Cifu indefinitely from any involvement with the team and the league, effective immediately. The suspension stems from a series of offensive social media posts made on Sunday night.
The offending messages, posted on X (formerly Twitter), arose during an exchange with a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. The conversation veered into politically charged statements concerning the conflict between Israel and Palestinians, as well as a provocative reference to Canada potentially becoming the 51st state of the United States.
The initial exchange began when the Toronto Maple Leaf fan asked, “Hey, what’s worse, using headshots to win a series or using starvation as a weapon to win a war?”
Cifu then said, “Actually being a whiny dope anti-semite is clearly worse. Loser.”
To which the Toronto Maple Leaf fan responded, “Not approving of using starvation as a weapon makes me a bigot?” before adding comments about Cifu’s stock market prowess and political leanings.
That promoted Cifu to write, “Eat s— 51st state anti-semite loser. Israel now and forever. Until ever last Hamas rat is eliminated.”
The NHL released a statement confirming the suspension: “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. An in-person meeting will be scheduled with Mr. Cifu and the Commissioner at a date to be determined.”
Cifu, who is the vice chairman and alternate governor of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment (SSE), the Panthers’ parent company, and CEO of Virtu Financial, issued an apology: “Two days ago, I posted regrettable and inflammatory comments on social media. 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.”
The Panthers, currently tied 2-2 in their second-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, declined further comment, referring to Cifu’s public statement. The defending Stanley Cup champions will continue their playoff run without Cifu’s involvement, pending the outcome of his meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
First Piper 