Blackhawks fans ejected for racist taunts at Capitals player

According to the Washington Post, the group of hecklers taunted Capitals winger Devante Smith-Pelly while he was in the penalty box with chants of "basketball, basketball, basketball."

Smith-Pelly happens to be black.

"There's absolutely no place in the game of hockey or our country for racism," remarked Capitals head coach Barry Trotz. "I think it's disgusting. There's no place for it. Athletes in our country don't deserve that. It just shows ignorance."

Security promptly kicked the fans out of the arena.

The Blackhawks released this statement regarding the incident:

"We were made aware of an incident at tonight's game involving a small group of attendees who made harmful comments directed at Washington Capitals player Devante Smith-Pelly. The fans were immediately removed and we apologize to Smith-Pelly and the Washington Capitals organization. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for everyone who attends our games and these actions will never be tolerated."

The NHL said that no player, coach, official or fan should ever have to endure abuse at the games.

Read the full statement:

"Last night in Chicago, individuals directed racial taunts and abuse at Washington Capitals player Devante Smith-Pelly," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "The National Hockey League condemns this unacceptable and reprehensible behavior. The League fully supports the actions taken by the United Center and the Blackhawks to eject the offenders and would expect the same response to any similarly unacceptable behavior at any of our arenas.

"While this incident was isolated in nature, no player, coach, official or fan should ever have to endure such abuse at one of our games. The League will take steps to have our clubs remind all stakeholders that they are entitled to enjoy a positive environment – free from unacceptable, inappropriate, disruptive, inconsiderate or unruly behaviors or actions and may not engage in conduct deemed detrimental to that experience."