NHL condemns racist chant

The NHL on Sunday condemned the “unacceptable and reprehensible behavior” of several fans in Chicago who were ejected for racist comments directed at Washington Capitals forward De

vante Smith-Pelly during Saturday night’s game. Smith-Pelliy, who is black, was in the penalty box at United Center when a group of four fans chanted “basketball, basketball, basketball” at him, according to The Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan. Smith-Pelly became visibly upset by what fans had said and picked up his stick to confront them. The fans were ejected after an-off ice official confirmed their words. “Last night in Chicago, individuals directed racial taunts and abuse at Washington Capitals player Devante Smith-Pelly,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “The National Hockey League condemns this unacceptable and reprehensible behavior. The League fully supports the actions taken by the United Center and the Blackhawks to eject the offenders and would expect the same response to any similarly unacceptable behavior at any of our arenas.” The Blackhawks released a statement after the game, apologizing to SmithPelly. He is one of about 30 black players in the NHL, according to the Chicago Tribune.