Panthers head coach comments on the strip club story and the evidence is mounting

There is a controversy surrounding the Florida Panthers as the team faces elimination in a few minutes against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Hosts Pat Donovan and Aaron Jacobson (95.3 WDAE & AM 620) reported that Panthers players were spotted partying until 3am last night at a strip club in Tampa (yes, the morning of their crucial game).

BRUNETTE COMMENTS

It's not that surprising, but Panthers head coach Andrew Brunette denied the story. It got so much buzz today that it actually made it to the organization's ears and Brunette commented on it.

Everyone expected this response and it's perfectly normal coming from a head coach who is facing elimination. He was not expected to confirm.

So, not really a surprise, but a necessary reaction as head coach of the team.

What was he supposed to say, after all? Do you really think the players in question told their head instructor about their party plans? Not likely.

In any case, Brunette's denial of this story and these reports has, in a way, added fuel to the fire as more damning evidence has just surfaced.

A Miami-based FOX Sports host, Andy Slater, alleges that his sources are "as reliable as can be" at the strip club, and they have all confirmed it.

So he confirms the initial scoop that The Pat and Aaron Show reported this afternoon, and he reiterates that his sources are well placed and reliable.