The NHL has suspended Doug Cifu, minority owner and vice chairman of the Florida Panthers, for making what the league called “unacceptable and inappropriate” posts on social media. The comments were made during a heated online exchange with a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.
Cifu, who also serves as the Panthers’ alternate governor, is banned from team and league activities until he meets in person with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The league did not say when the meeting will take place.
The messages were posted on X during an argument with a user known as “Dr Grizzo.” The conversation began with hockey-related comments about the Panthers-Maple Leafs playoff series, but shifted to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Cifu’s profile at the time included five Israeli flags and the note “all tweets mine.”
Tensions rose when Dr Grizzo asked:
“Hey, what’s worse, using headshots to win a series or using starvation as a weapon to win a war?” The question referred to physical plays in the playoff series and accusations related to the war in Gaza.
Cifu replied:
“Actually being a whiny dope anti-semite is clearly worse. Loser.”
After more back-and-forth, including comments on Cifu’s financial success and political leanings, Cifu wrote:
“Eat shit 51st state anti-semite loser. Israel now and forever. Until ever [sic] last Hamas rat is eliminated.” This referred to a recent comment by Donald Trump suggesting that Canada could become the “51st state,” which sparked debate online.
Cifu’s account was made private after the posts and was deleted by Monday. The NHL then issued a statement:
“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 Florida Panthers did not release a separate statement, but referred to an apology Cifu gave to Florida Hockey Now:
“Two days ago, I posted regrettable and inflammatory comments on social media,” Cifu said. “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 is also CEO of Virtu Financial, a tech-driven trading firm he co-founded with Panthers owner Vincent Viola in 2008. His name was added to the Stanley Cup when the Panthers won their first NHL championship in 2024.
The playoff series between the Panthers and Maple Leafs is currently tied 2–2. The series has been intense, with several controversial hits. In Game 1, Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz left the series after a collision. Game 5 is set for Wednesday night in Toronto.