Canucks' Burrows: Didn't cross line with Tootoo
Sunday’s game between the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils was heated, filled with penalties and ultimately, ended with a Devils overtime win. Despite the victory Devils forward Jordin Tootoo remained upset over comments apparently made to him in the penalty box by Canucks forward Alex Burrows during the game.
Tootoo alleged that Burrows spewed a verbal assault that included “classless” comments about the Devils tough guy’s personal life and his family.
On Tuesday, Burrows finally publicly addressed those allegations:
“I don’t think I crossed the line.” Alex Burrows discusses the Jordin Tootoo incident from the game in New Jersey. https://t.co/k3s6axcPE5
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) November 10, 2015
“I don’t think I crossed the line,” Burrows said. “What I said, I’ve been told the same in the past and I’ve heard it plenty of times throughout my career. I kind of wish it would have stayed on the ice, where it belongs.”
Burrows said it was absolutely false that he disparaged Tootoo’s personal life and his family.
Tootoo is of Inuit descent and has been subject to the NHL’s substance abuse and behavioral health program in the past. Neither he nor Burrows would expand on what specifically was said or get more detailed on what the nature of the comments were.
Head coach John Hynes confirmed Tuesday that Devils GM Ray Shero had taken Tootoo’s complaints to the league.
Hynes said Shero has spoken to NHL about what happened with Tootoo-Burrows in penalty box. Doesn’t know what will happen after that.
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) November 10, 2015
The NHL does have policies in place that protect players from racial and homophobic slurs. Fines have been levied in the past for comments and gestures on the ice that crossed the line. It is unclear if anything more will come of this, though.
Tootoo said he is moving on from what was said, but reiterated that it was beyond normal trash talk.
Alex Burrows says he didn’t cross the line with comments made to Jordin Tootoo. (USATSI)
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