Blackhawks’ Andrew Shaw is suspended a game for uttering an anti-gay slur during game

Chicago forward Andrew Shaw has been suspended one game shouting a homophobic slur during the Blackhawks’ playoff game against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night, the NHL announced Wednesday afternoon.

Shaw, who was also fined $5,000 for directing an “inappropriate gesture” toward the officials, was called for interference early in the third period, with his team trailing by two goals.

He can be seen in a video clip (warning: offensive language) sitting in the box and pounding on the glass while yelling what appear to be obsenities and a slur. No known audio exists of the clip.

“Emotions are high,” Shaw said after the game. “I don’t know what was said. Obviously, I was upset with the call. I wasn’t happy with the call.”

He released a statement Wednesday, apologizing for his actions.

“When I got home and saw the video, it was evident that what I did was wrong, no matter the circumstances,” Shaw stated. “I apologize to many people, including the gay and lesbian community, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, Blackhawks fans and anyone else I may have offended. I know my words were hurtful and I will learn from my mistake.”

Shaw had a goal and two assists in the 4-3 loss for the Blackhawks, who now trail the Blues in the series, 3-1.

In the NBA, Rajon Rondo and Kobe Bryant have been penalized for their use of the word (Rondo was suspended one game last season; Bryant was fined $100,000 in 2011).

You Can Play, an organization that stands up for the rights of LGBT athletes, tweeted Tuesday night that it will reach out to the NHL “immediately to assist in an appropriate response” to Shaw’s apparent use of the slur.

“NHL players can no longer use ignorance as an excuse for not understanding the power of their words and the effect they have on their teammates, fans, and the LGBT community,” the group tweeted after the announcement of Shaw’s suspension. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the NHL, the Blackhawks, and Mr. Shaw as we work to finally eradicate homophobia in hockey culture.”