A controversy over Israel has erupted in the NHL, the world’s premier hockey league, after Florida Panthers minority owner and vice chairman Doug Cifu was suspended following a heated exchange on the X social media platform with an anti-Israel commenter.
The person Cifu confronted identified himself as a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs—the team currently facing the Panthers in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The fan accused Israel of starving Gaza’s residents and posed the question: “ "Hey, what's worse, using headshots to win a series or using starvation as a weapon to win a war?” Cifu responded: “Actually being a whiny dope antisemite is clearly worse. Loser.”
The exchange escalated further. Cifu added: "Eat shit 51st state antisemite loser. Israel now and forever. Until ever [sic] last Hamas rat is eliminated" The term “51st state” was a pointed reference to Canada, recalling comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump early in his presidency suggesting that the U.S. might annex its northern neighbor. The idea, which never materialized, remains a sore point for many Canadians—particularly given hockey’s status as the national sport.
Following these statements, the NHL announced Cifu’s suspension. “We have concluded that Cifu’s remarks on X were unacceptable and inappropriate,” the league said in an official statement. “As a result, Cifu has been suspended from all involvement with the Panthers and the NHL until further notice.”
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Cifu later issued an apology in a post on his X account: "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.
He subsequently made his account private and deactivated his account.