Injured Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander flashed his middle finger during Sunday’s game when he noticed a TV camera was filming him and other non-playing teammates in the press box.
The gesture cost him $5,000 on Monday, Jan. 26.
The NHL said he was fined the maximum amount because he violated a policy that ‘prohibits inappropriate and offensive remarks, and the use of obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures in the game.’
“This serves as a reminder the code of conduct governing players extends throughout the arena at NHL games and in public game situations,’ NHL disciplinarian George Parros said in a statement.
Nylander suffered a groin muscle injury on Jan. 15 and went on the injured list on the 19th. Sunday’s game was the fifth one he missed. The last four have been losses.
He apologized on social media on Sunday for his ‘moment of frustration’ and also Monday in person during a meeting with reporters.
‘I’m just not playing,’ he said of why he’s frustrated. ‘I just want to be out there with the guys.’
He said he received a text message right after the gesture was shown on the TV broadcast.
‘I was like, ‘Not a good idea, not a good thing to do,” he said. ‘Like I said, I apologize about that.’
Nylander, who sat out 10 other games with injury this season, said he hopes to return to action during the team’s upcoming road trip, which runs from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3.
He has also been named to Swedish Olympic team.