Los Angeles Kings forward Sean Avery is no stranger to controversy - usually due to his "chatty" demeanor. There have been several cases in the recent past where he has found himself in hot water after making questionable comments. The latest in this saga is an allegation by Edmonton Oilers forward George Laraque that Avery made a racial slur towards him in an game earlier this week. George who is black, maintains that he was verbally abused by Sean Avery including the use of the slur "monkey".

The story goes that Laraque informed the team and coach Craig McTavish began trying to get to the bottom after the game as they two teams were departing. This report was then escalated to the NHL who did a quick investigation but was unable to take any action against Avery since there was no corroborating evidence. Avery has denied he made a racial slur. Georges Laraque is standing by his story and said, "I knew the league wouldn't be able to do anything because there were no witnesses, but you want to tell them in case it ever happens in the future. I'm not deaf." One hopes that now that this incident is on the public record, the league will keep a keen eye on this situation and come down hard on any future instances of racial abuse or discrimination on or off the ice.