Chicago Wolves head coach Bob Nardella denies using homophobic remark
AHL Chicago Wolves’ head coach Bob Nardella, who was suspended 10 games by the AHL for reportedly using anti-gay language towards officials in a game, released a statement on Wednesday where he denied that he used any homophobic slurs.
Chicago Wolves coach Bob Nardella issues a statement denying that he used a homophobic slur on the bench last weekend, as accused by the AHL.
The AHL suspended Nardella for 10 games for the alleged slur. pic.twitter.com/sej0HRuCku
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 13, 2023
“I firmly deny that I made a homophobic remark during the game last Saturday, Dec. 9,” Nardella said in the statement. “I want to state clearly that I condemn any form of homophobic language or conduct.
“I am a passionate and emotional coach who stands behind my players and my organization when I feel they are wronged. I accept that I lost my temper, and I was wrong to do that. I have tremendous respect for the officials and the work they do, and for the league and those involved. I regret that I did lose my temper and that is not how a coach should act. But I would like to set the record straight that I did not say what I am accused of saying,” he continued.
Nardella, 55, was an assistant for the Wolves for seven seasons before taking over as head coach for the 2023-24 campaign. He won a Calder Cup with the club in 2021-22.
He would go on to say that he’s worked in and around professional hockey for more than 30 years, and that he’s done his best to make the game a safe space for everyone.
“The accusations made against me are incredibly upsetting because that is not the type of person I am,” Nardella said. “I look forward to returning to the bench and continuing the season, and I will remain a vocal advocate against all forms of discrimination in hockey.”