Ryan Getzlaf

Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf fined for 'demeaning and disrespectful' remark during Game 4

Published May. 20, 2017 5:24 p.m. ET

Pete Blackburn

Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf has been fined $10,000 by the NHL for "directing an inappropriate remark toward another on-ice participant" during Thursday's Game 4 of the Western Conference Final.

According to TSN's Frank Seravalli, that comment from the 32-year-old Getzlaf was a homophobic slur.

https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/status/865991188683395073

From the league's release:

"Getzlaf's comment in Thursday's game, particularly as directed to another individual on the ice, was inappropriately demeaning and disrespectful, and crossed the line into behavior that we deem unacceptable," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "The type of language chosen and utilized in this instance will not be tolerated in the National Hockey League."

What's particularly interesting here is that forward Andrew Shaw was suspended for one game after committing the same offense during the playoffs last year. You can certainly make the case that there's a little inconsistency from the league, and it could be because Getzlaf has a bit more star power than a guy like Shaw.

https://twitter.com/YouCanPlayTeam/status/866037672925593601

This is the second time this week that an athlete has been punished for homophobic remarks. Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar was suspended two games by the team after shouting an insensitive slur at an opposing pitcher. He later apologized.

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Ryan Getzlaf

Anaheim Ducks

National Hockey League