League Won’t Discipline Federko

The Roller Hockey International League said Sunday there will be no disciplinary action against St. Louis Coach Bernie Federko because there were no facts to substantiate that he made a racial comment to a black player on the opposing team.

Federko, a former NHL player, was accused of telling Connecticut Coaster defenseman Berkley Hoagland during a postgame melee Friday at New Haven, Conn.: “Why don’t you go play basketball.”

Rob Hyrtsak, Coaster assistant coach, had said that he heard Federko’s comment. Later, Hyrtsak said he was not sure it was Federko who made the remark. Hoagland, the only black player on either team, was not “100% certain” either.

“Maybe somebody said, ‘Go play basketball,’ but it sure as hell wasn’t me,” Federko told the New Haven (Conn.) Register.

“I have two different businesses, and I do hockey commentary in St. Louis, and if you think I’m stupid enough to make a racial comment. . . . I’m not that dumb.”