NHL suspends Panthers minority owner Douglas Cifu over social media posts

A Florida Panthers minority owner was suspended by the NHL on Monday night.

Douglas Cifu was banned from team activities indefinitely after making inappropriate comments on X, the league confirmed to Sportsnet on Tuesday.

“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.

Cifu, who is vice chairman, partner and alternate governor of the Panthers, has since deactivated his X account.

The NHL said it has scheduled an in-person meeting between Cifu and commissioner Gary Bettman.

When asked for comment, the Panthers pointed to a statement Cifu provided to Florida Hockey Now on Tuesday: “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.”

Cifu, 60, is CEO of Virtu Financial, which he co-founded with Panthers owner Vinnie Viola.

The Panthers are currently tied 2-2 in their second-round series with the Maple Leafs ahead of Game 5 in Toronto on Wednesday.