Toronto Maple Leafs star forward William Nylander was fined $5,000 for putting up the middle finger during his team’s 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche Sunday evening.
In a news release, the league said Nylander violated the league’s policy which prohibits inappropriate and offensive remarks, and the use of obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures in the game.
With the Leafs trailing the NHL-leading Avalanche 3-0 early in the third period, a TSN camera panned to an injured Nylander sitting in a box with teammates Chris Tanev, Dakota Joshua, Calle Jarnkrok and Philippe Myers. Nylander then briefly flashed his middle finger before the camera panned back toward the ice.
“Nylander directed an inappropriate gesture at a television camera operator while the camera was directed at Mr. Nylander and his teammates in the press box. The gesture was shown live on-air during the game broadcast,” said NHL senior vice president of player safety George Parros in a news release.
“This serves as a reminder the code of conduct governing Players extends throughout the arena at NHL games and in public game situations.”
The 29-year-old apologized on Instagram after the game and reiterated his apology when speaking with reporters on Monday, saying frustration was the reason behind the incident.
“First off, I just want to apologize for my actions yesterday, it was out of frustration, so I’m sorry about that,” he said.
What was Nylander frustrated about?
“Just not playing and want to be out there with the guys. Yeah, just frustrated.”
When asked if he regretted what he did, Nylander said he clued in pretty quickly.
“Yeah. Sitting there I got a text message. I was like oh, not a good idea. Not a good thing to do.”
“Made a mistake. He owned up to it. You know, things happen. People make mistakes. Players make mistakes. Coaches make mistakes. It happens … He knows it’s wrong and he owned up to it,” Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters Monday.
Including Sunday’s contest, Nylander has missed the previous five games with a groin injury. Toronto’s loss Sunday afternoon was their fourth home loss in a row and their sixth defeat in seven games.
Nylander said his goal is to be back in the lineup sometime during the team’s six-game road trip, which begins Thursday in Seattle against the Kraken. Toronto will wrap up their five-game homestand against the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday night before hitting the road.