Colorado Avalanche star forward Nazem Kadri was the victim of some horrific racial abuse online from St. Louis Blues fans during their second-round playoff series. When asked about the remarks earlier in the week, Blues head coach Craig Berube controversially declined to comment. Berube addressed the media again on Wednesday, clarifying why he chose not to comment on the situation, before condemning the actions that took place.

“Just before any questions, I want to comment on my ‘no comment' the other day,” the Blues head coach began. “I'm not on social media. I was aware of a threat made to Nazem [Kadri]. Not the racist stuff. And in no way is it acceptable, by the St. Louis Blues or anyone else, for him to have to go through that. Being a Native American myself, I've heard it all, I've been around it. It's not a good thing. So, I just wanted to get that out there that there's no room for it anywhere.”

Berube's decision to initially decline to comment came under scrutiny with some insisting that he was okay with the racist comments made towards Kadri. Now, Berube is clarifying that he was unaware the remarks involved race, and condemned the comments made towards Kadri. The Blues head coach is of First Nation descent and is part Cree.

As for Kadri, the 31-year-old let his play on the ice do the talking. The forward scored a hat trick in the Avs win over the Blues on Monday night, giving Colorado a 3-1 series lead.