After recently being suspended by the ECHL for the remainder of the season, Jacob Panetta has released a statement expressing his disappointment in the ruling. Panetta posted a lengthy tweet stating that he once again had no intentions of racism in his gesture.
"I am disappointed with the ruling of the Commissioner of the ECHL, while at the same time I know my action caused pain to Jordan and his family, and for that I am deeply sorry. I feel sick that I made Jordan feel attacked because of his race. That's not who I am, that was not my intent, and is not my character."
"As the league determined, although my 'tough guy' gesture made towards Jordan Subban was not racist in intent, I acknowledge that it was perceived as such."
"I believe that racism has no place in society and it has no place in hockey. I will use my time away from the game I love, to do everything I can to help in the healing process and to learn how to become a better ally. As the Commissioner also noted in his ruling, we all need to better understand the sensitivities and context of our actions."
"I look forward to completing the National Hockey League's Player Inclusion Committee's learning experience and educational program. Through education to help better understand racism and unconscious bias, I hope I can be a better person, which will help me to also be a better player."
Only time will tell if Panetta gets a second chance in hockey. Subban has been silent since the night of the incident.
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