Leafs' Rielly did not direct homophobic slur

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly did not direct a homophobic slur at an official during Monday's 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the NHL determined Tuesday. Television cameras picked up what sounded like a slur with 1:51 left to play in the second period that was directed at referee Brad Meier, but the player was cleared after the NHL conducted an investigation.

"League officials interviewed several of the participants in the game -- including Rielly and Meier -- and reviewed audio of the alleged incident," said Colin Campbell, the NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations, in a statement. "All of those interviewed adamantly denied that Rielly uttered a slur and the audio supported their statements. "The National Hockey League does not tolerate language or gestures that disparage anyone based upon their race, creed or sexual orientation and continues to work to ensure that our games are played in a welcoming atmosphere for all of our players, coaches, officials and fans."

The league did not say if a slur was heard, just that nothing like that was said by Rielly. Rielly and Lightning forward Yanni Gourde skated into the Toronto zone during a Tampa Bay penalty kill in the second period, and Meier skated back with them as Rielly appeared to be appealing for a penalty call.

Rielly and Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas appeared at a press conference with reporters at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday afternoon shortly after the NHL released its findings. "I didn't hear it," Rielly said of the slur. "I know I didn't use that word and I didn't hear it during play. I did listen to the video. ... When it's a topic that's very serious, you tend to think what may have been said. But I know I didn't say it and I didn't hear it during play.

"I'm not sure if it came from the ice or not. Either way, that word has no place in this building. This is a team that wants to be involved in the community and with the (LGBTQ) movement. And like I said, I didn't say it." Dubas added that he was ready to leave the rink Monday night when he was notified of the alleged comments.

"When it came out that it was Morgan who was alleged to have used a homophobic slur it was surprising to me, to say the least," the GM said. "I've known Morgan now for five years and this is a cause that he's supported socially throughout his time here. And a few weeks ago, independent of all of this, he had gone to our community department and to (Leafs media relations director) Steve Keogh and asked to be formally involved in the Pride parade in Toronto this upcoming June. "So knowing that from a few weeks ago, and then combining that with the incident of last night, I was very surprised that Morgan was alleged to have said such a thing on the ice."

Rielly, 25, Toronto's first-round pick (fifth overall) in the 2012 draft, has 65 points (18 goals, 47 assists) in 69 games this season, second among NHL defensemen.