Background

San Jose Barracuda’s Krystof Hrabik was suspended for 30 games by the AHL on Friday for a racist action directed toward Boko Imama of the Tucson Roadrunners earlier this month. It has been reported that Hrabik imitated monkey-like movements towards Imama, who is Black, during a game in San Jose on January 12.

Words From the AHL

“The AHL believes that individual inclusion learning is a key element of improving league-wide culture. As such, as part of his suspension, Hrabik will be provided the opportunity to work with the National Hockey League’s Player Inclusion Committee to participate in education and training on racism and inclusion.”

Words From Hrabik

In a statement, Hrabik said he’s “ashamed” by the suspension and takes “full responsibility” for his actions. However, Hrabik did not admit that he intended the gesture to be racist.

(According to CNN) “People should know that I had absolutely no inappropriate intent. The gesture was made in the heat of battle and while I didn’t mean anything racist by what I did, I realize now through my own ignorance how my gesture could be interpreted,” Hrabik said in a statement obtained by Elliotte Friedman of Canadian station Sportsnet. “I fully accept the consequences of my actions and am not appealing the discipline imposed by the AHL.”

While serving his suspension, Hrabik will be unavailable to the San Jose Sharks’ AHL affiliate until at least April 3. Hrabik, who has already served three games of his suspension, can ask for early reentry on March 12. But it will be “based on the Player Inclusion Committee’s assessment of his progress in the required education and training.”

In a statement, the Barracuda and the Sharks said they were “appalled to learn of this incident.” “We offer our sincerest apologies to Boko, the Roadrunners organization, the AHL, our fans, and the entire hockey community,” they said.

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