NHL coach resigns following sex assault scandal

Florida Panthers Coach Joel Quenneville resigned Thursday following allegations he didn't adequately respond to accusations by a Chicago Blackhawks player that he was sexually assaulted by another coach in 2010.

According to the Associated Press, Quenneville's resignation came after he met with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss the role he played in the days following the sexual assault allegations made by player Kyle Beach.

Beach alleged that former assistant coach Brad Alrich sexually assaulted him during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs. 

"I admire Kyle Beach for his courage in coming forward, am appalled that he was so poorly supported upon making his initial claim and in the 11 years since, and am sorry for all he has endured," Bettman said in a statement. 

In a statement, Quenneville said he "deeply regrets" what happened.

"I want to express my sorrow for the pain this young man, Kyle Beach, has suffered. My former team, the Blackhawks, failed Kyle and I own my share of that," Quenneville said. "I want to reflect on how all of this happened and take the time to educate myself on ensuring hockey spaces are safe for everyone."

The team hired Andrew Brunette as an interim coach to take Quenneville's place. Brunette will make his debut as the coach in Friday's match against Detroit.