‘Repugnant and unacceptable’: NHL and former Flame respond to accusations of racism against head coach

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Reaction to racist allegations against the Calgary Flames head coach continues to come in.

On Monday, former Flame Akim Aliu took to Twitter accusing Bill Peters of using the N-word towards him during his rookie year.

READ MORE: Former Flames player accuses Bill Peters of racist comments

Flames GM Brad Treliving says the team is investigating the allegations as is the National Hockey League.

In a statement, the NHL says the behaviour that’s been alleged is repugnant and unacceptable. The league won’t provide further comment until it looks into the matter thoroughly.

NHL statement on last night’s social media posts by Akim Aliu. pic.twitter.com/aqS2h192QG

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 26, 2019

Former Calgary Flame and host at Sportsnet 960 The Fan Mike Commodore also weighing in on the controversy.

“It’s sad, to be honest, I couldn’t really imagine. I’ve never heard a coach say anything like that and I’ve been in a lot of locker rooms. If it’s true and that did happen, it’s more than sad, it’s pretty disgusting.”

Commodore believes the allegations could force the team to fire Peters.

Since Aliu’s tweet, another player Peters coached has called his out on Twitter.

Sean McMorrow called Peters the ‘worst human being to ever coach me.’ during his stint in the AHL.

If you think Mike Commodore had harsh words for Babcock you are in for a treat to hear what I would have to say about Bill Peters … Worst human being to ever coach me … treated me terrible on a AHL team (IceHogs) where I won a League Award for Community Service. #badguy pic.twitter.com/oJ0DqLI9Ey

— Sean McMorrow (@sheriffmcmorrow) November 26, 2019

Meanwhile, Calgarians are split on what should happen to the Flames coach following the accusations.

“That’s a tough one. I think in this day-in-age, that kind of stuff if it’s found to be true you’ve got to deal with it,” said one man. “I’m upset it was ten years ago. Deal with it then,” said this woman.

LISTEN: Calgarians comment on the allegations towards Bill Peters

The Calgary Flames are in Buffalo for a tilt with the Sabres on Wednesday night. According to Sportsnet, Peters will provide a statement at 11 a.m. MT.