‘It pained me more than the series loss.’ Lightning coach Jon Cooper apologizes for ‘skirts’ comment
One of the most successful coaches in the NHL is apologizing for a controversial quote.
During Wednesday’s end-of-season media availability, Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper opened by addressing something he said shortly after his team was eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Following the Lightning’s 6-1 loss in Game 5 to the Florida Panthers on Monday night, Cooper was unhappy that a couple of potential goals for his team were negated due to goaltender interference. One was initially ruled a goal but was taken off the board following a review. Another was immediately waived off and confirmed following another review.
Cooper mentioned that players have to battle in front of the net, but for goaltenders, “The second something happens…we might as well put skirts on them then…”
On Wednesday, Cooper opened his press conference, apologizing for his comments.
Jon Cooper opens his presser addressing the “girls in skirts” comment from Monday night.
He says this has been harder than the loss. #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/uilXVpnIeE
“I made an inappropriate analogy about goalies and skirts,” Cooper said. “You know, it’s one of those moments if you could just reach back and grab the words back, I would have.”
Cooper, who has daughters active in sports, mentioned that he talked to them about the remark.
“Quite frankly, it was wrong. I had to go explain myself to my girls…I sincerely apologize to all who I have offended. It’s pained me more than the actual series loss itself.”
The Lightning were knocked out by the Panthers in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. With the opening-round loss, Tampa was eliminated in the first round in back-to-back seasons for the first time in 17 years.