Artemi Panarin apologizes for racially insensitive comments

Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin has apologized for racially insensitive comments he made when he played in the Kontinental Hockey League a few years ago.

A video surfaced on YouTube of Panarin and a teammate giving an interview with a Russian television station. The Chicago Tribune had three Russian-speaking sources view the video in which Panarin is asked what he would never do. According to the sources, he replied "have sex with a black woman."

The sources said that Panarin, who is from Russia, and his teammate appear to be attempting to make jokes.

"In 2012, I was a guest on a Russian TV show and made insensitive comments that I deeply regret," Panarin said in a statement that the Blackhawks gave to the Tribune. "I understand my comments are offensive and I apologize for my hurtful words."

The Blackhawks also issued a statement.

"On Sunday, we were made aware of the video from Artemi's appearance on a Russian TV show in 2012," the team said. "We immediately addressed the matter with him. His comments in the video in no way represent the values of our organization. He has apologized and understands the offensive nature of his words."

The Blackhawks signed the now-25-year-old Panarin out of the KHL, and he won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie last season.