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Blackhawks’ Panarin apologizes for racially ‘insensitive comments’ from 2012

Carolina Hurricanes v Chicago Blackhawks

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 06: Artemi Panarin #72 of the Chicago Blackhawks watches from the bench as his teammates take on the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center on January 6, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Hurricanes 2-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin apologized for racially “insensitive remarks” he made in a Russian TV interview from 2012, issuing a statement to the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Hine.

“In 2012, I was a guest on a Russian TV show and made insensitive comments that I deeply regret,” Panarin said. “I understand my comments are offensive and I apologize for my hurtful words.”

The Blackhawks issued a statement to the Tribune, too, stating that they “immediately addressed the matter with him” and that his comments “in no way represent the values of our organization.”

Specifics about where/when the interview took place are a little fuzzy, though Panarin himself mentions that they came in 2012. The “insensitive comments” come around the 7:10 mark of this video, unearthed by Blackhawks blog Faxes from Uncle Dave:

Panarin appeared to make the joke in response to a question “What could you never do,” as Second City Hockey, Hine and others note.

There’s no mention of a specific reprimand (whether it be a fine or a suspension) for the 25-year-old forward. There is some precedent for teams disciplining players for making unacceptable comments, as you may remember with Garret Sparks and the Toronto Maple Leafs.