Blackhawks' Andrew Shaw on homophobic slur: 'I have no excuses for anything'

CHICAGO — In addressing the homophobic slur he hurled at a referee in Game 4 on Tuesday night, a visibly shaken Andrew Shaw tried to make amends a day later before boarding the Chicago Blackhawks' charter to St. Louis. 

"I wanted to apologize for my actions. I have no excuses for anything," Shaw said Wednesday before the NHL announced a one-game suspension. "I want to apologize to the gay and lesbian community. That's not the type of guy I am. This is hard for me.

"I saw the video last night and I had a tough time sleeping. It has gotten to me. I let my emotions get the better to of me. I want to apologize to the organization, the NHL and my teammates, my family, my friends. Obviously I'm sorry. It's a tough time for me right now."

Shaw was also fined $5,000 for an "inappropriate gesture" toward an official and is required to undergo sensitivity training.

Both Shaw and the Blackhawks released separate statements through the team's web site regarding the incident Wednesday afternoon. The Blackhawks said they were "extremely disappointed" in his actions.

Shaw's tirade — which included protesting and flipping off officials — stemmed from his interference penalty with 2:04 left in the third period with the Blackhawks behind by a goal.

Blackhawks' Andrew Shaw suspended one game for homophobic slur

After the 4-3 loss to the Blues, Shaw said he didn't know what he said, but video of the incident had already made the rounds online.

"It's hard to see (the video)," Shaw said Wednesday. "Emotions got the best of me. I didn't get any sleep last night. It was tough on me. I'm upset with myself obviously. I'll never use that word again, that's for sure."

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews stressed using this incident as a learning experience.

"In this situation, we all stand behind (Shaw's) apology," Toews said. "I think we all know what type of person he is; he's a great guy that everyone loves in the locker room. I think he's respectful of others and obviously knows he made a mistake in the heat of the moment last night.

Blackhawks' Andrew Shaw apologizes for gay slur: 'My words were hurtful'

"I think that's how we're all looking at it. In this moment, obviously there's a lot on the line for a hockey team, but it's somewhat a teachable moment and we can all be more conscious of the effect that word might have and know it can't be used loosely."

Chicago heads to St. Louis trailing 3-1 in the first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series. It's the first time they've faced a deficit that large since the 2013 playoffs.

Coach Joel Quenneville doesn't expect this to affect Shaw's performance on the ice.

"What Andrew did was unacceptable," Quenneville said. "(But) one thing we know about him, he's as competitive as you can be, so I think that answers the question."

Asked if he understood the weight of the insult, Shaw choked back tears.

"I get it, it's a hurtful word," he said "It's 2016 now. It's time that everyone is treated equally. It's a hurtful word; I know that. I am sorry and I want to apologize."

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