Florida Panthers exec Douglas Cifu suspended after pro-Israel comments on social media

Florida Panthers executive Douglas Cifu has broken his silence following his suspension by the NHL and apologized for the tone of a heated exchange on social media over the Israel-Hamas war and hockey that led to the disciplinary action.

According to the Toronto Sun, Cifu, the team’s vice chairman, partner, and alternate governor was suspended indefinitely on Monday night by the NHL for comments he made on the platform X following the Panthers’ 2-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4 of their playoff series. Screenshots show that Cifu, posting from his personal @Dougielarge account, responded to a Leafs fan who compared the Panthers’ on-ice tactics to false allegations made against Israel regarding its treatment of the Palestinians.

The fan wrote: “Hey what’s worse, using head shots to win a series or using starvation to win a war?” — a thinly veiled attack aimed at Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Cifu, who is Jewish and has been outspoken in his support for Israel’s right to defend itself, fired back: “Eat sh*t 51st state anti semite loser. Israel now and forever. Until ever [sic] last Hamas rat is eliminated.”

While the remarks drew criticism online, many pro-Israel supporters have defended Cifu’s position, arguing that his passion stemmed from frustration with what they view as a growing wave of online antisemitism and one-sided narratives around the conflict.

By Tuesday morning, Cifu had issued a formal apology through Florida Hockey Now, acknowledging that his comments were “regrettable and inflammatory,” while reaffirming that they did not reflect the values of the Panthers organization.

“My behavior does not reflect the standards of the Florida Panthers organization and the Viola family,” Cifu stated. “I sincerely apologize to all those affected by my comments. I am committed to working with the NHL to amend my actions.”

The NHL issued its own statement, calling the comments “unacceptable and inappropriate,” and confirmed that Cifu would be suspended indefinitely from team and league activities pending a future meeting with Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Cifu has long been known for his active and at times blunt presence on social media. Sources say team owner Vinnie Viola had previously asked him to tone down his commentary, particularly around hockey operations.