Blackhawks' Andrew Shaw Responds to Alleged Use of Gay Slur

On the heels of allegedly using a gay slur after being called for a penalty late in the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-3 playoff loss to the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of the Western Conference's opening round Tuesday, forward Andrew Shaw responded to questions about his actions.

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com), the Blackhawks forward said he didn't recall what he said during the heat of the moment: "Being like I just said—I'll repeat myself for you—emotions are high. I don't know what was said. Obviously, I was upset with the call. I wasn't happy with the call."

Shaw and the Blackhawks followed that up with official statements, per Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago:

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed an investigation into the incident in an email to Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune, saying: "Yes we are looking into it, and no we can't comment on it until that process is complete."

Following the incident, the You Can Play Project, an NHL partner and LGBT activism campaign, tweeted about the matter:

Shaw was called for interference with less than three remaining in regulation, which severely damaged Chicago's chances of tying the game and ultimately evening the series.

Prior to his alleged use of a gay slur, Shaw expressed his displeasure for the call by flipping off the officials on his way to the penalty box.

Blackhawks reporter Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune also chimed in with his thoughts:

Despite a current lack of definitive proof regarding what Shaw said, the evidence points strongly in a direction that could prompt the NHL to take disciplinary action with him.

The league has shown a genuine commitment to protecting the rights of LGBT athletes and the community at large since joining forces with the You Can Play Project, and Shaw's alleged slur is in direct conflict with that.

Chicago's back is already against the wall as it faces a 3-1 series deficit, and the potential loss of Shaw for Game 5 would make the uphill climb even steeper.

Shaw is a key player for the defending Stanley Cup champions after putting up 14 goals and 34 points during the regular season, and his grit would undoubtedly be missed.

The NHL is rightly obligated to address the matter if there is enough evidence to implicate Shaw, and doing so would set a clear precedent that similar actions won't be tolerated in the future.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.