Aliu calls Flames coach’s apology ‘misleading, insincere’

Akim Aliu is not happy with the apology Calgary Flames coach Bill Peters issued for a racial slur he allegedly used when both were in the minors 10 years ago.

The former NHL player released his own statement Thursday on Twitter, saying he found Peters’ statement acknowledging that he used offensive language to be “misleading, insincere and concerning.”

Aliu says he has accepted an invitation from the NHL to discuss the situation and will not make any further comments until after the meeting.

Peters issued a letter Wednesday night to multiple media outlets, apologizing to the Flames and general manager Brad Treliving. The letter did not mention the Nigerian-born Aliu or specify the words Peter used. He called it an “isolated and immediately regrettable incident.”

The statement drew criticism on social media.

Former NHL player Georges Laraque tweeted: “The @NHLFlames and the @NHL can now finally conclude their investigation and fire him, what more can they need after this…?”

Aliu tweeted Monday that Peters directed racial slurs toward him when both were with the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs, the Chicago Blackhawks‘ top farm team, in 2009-10. Aliu said Peters “dropped the N bomb several times” because he didn’t like the player’s choice of music.

Peters did not coach the Flames on Wednesday night when Calgary won in Buffalo against the Sabres. Afterward, Treliving said the Flames’ investigation was ongoing.

The Flames were scheduled to be off Thursday before returning to practice Friday in Calgary. Their next game is Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.