Black Panther Minority Owner suspended as offensive social media post

The NHL suspended any involvement with the team or league after a series of offensive social media posts Sunday night.

CIFU will hold a face-to-face meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman at a later date.

The nasty information comes from fans of the Panthers’ current playoff rival Toronto Maple Leafs, a statement about the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as statements about Canada becoming the “51st state.” President Donald Trump has said in recent months that he wants to join Canada as the 51st state.

CIFU is vice chairman and alternative governor of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment (SSE), the Florida Black Panthers of the National Hockey League, FLA Live Arena and other operating entities of SSE. He is the CEO of Virtu Financial, a financial technology services company founded in 2008 by Florida owner Vincent Viola.

When asked to comment, the Panthers pointed to the CIFU statement provided to Florida Hockey immediately Tuesday:

“Two days ago, I made regrettable and inflammatory comments on social media. My behavior does not reflect the standards of the Florida Black Panthers and the Viola family. I sincerely apologize to everyone affected by my comments. I am committed to working with the NHL to modify my behavior.”

The nasty message is included in the exchange on X, which includes supporters of Toronto Maple Leafs and on May 11, the Panthers’ Game 4 night, even if they win the series against Toronto. The series had several high hits on the Florida skater, as well as a collision between Florida center Sam Bennett and Toronto goalkeeper Anthony Stolarz, which prompted Stolarz to leave the series in Game 1.

“Hey, worse, win the series with a headshot or win the war with hunger as a weapon?” Grizzo wrote.

CIFU's X Feed contains information on support for Israel, his resume has five Israeli flags, and a statement from “all tweet me”.

CIFU responded to this message: “It was actually a grumpy anti-Semitic, obviously worse. Loser.”

“Dr. Grizzo” replied: “Doesn't endorsement of using hunger as a weapon make me paranoid?” Before adding comments about CIFU's stock market strength and political leanings.

This pushed the CIFU to write: “Eat S — The 51st State Anti-Semitic Loser. Israel is now and forever.

The next day, CIFU privatized its X account before deactivating the feed.

The NHL realized the news and paused CIFU.

“The NHL concluded that Mr CIFU's X post is unacceptable and inappropriate,” the league said in a statement. “So Mr CIFU suspended any involvement with the club and the NHL indefinitely.

The Panthers are the defending Stanley Cup champions, tied 2-2 in the second round series with Toronto. CIFU has a name on the Stanley Cup.