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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey winger Jordin Tootoo said Vancouver's Alexandre Burrows made disparaging comments about his "personal life and family" during the Devils' 4-3 overtime victory Sunday night.
Tootoo, the first Inuit player to make it to the NHL, said Burrows made the comments while they were serving penalties in the second period.
Tootoo said the remarks were "classless and unacceptable in this day and age." He said he challenged Burrows to a fight and Burrows declined. Tootoo did fight Derek Dorsett.
The 32-year-old Tootoo entered the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program in December 2010 because of an alcohol problem. His brother, minor-league hockey player Terence, committed suicide in 2002 following an arrest for drunk driving.
"I have no respect for that guy," Tootoo said about Burrows. "Nor should the NHL. They shouldn't tolerate stuff like that."
Burrows talked to the media at the same time Tootoo was speaking, and wasn't available later to respond to Tootoo's comments.
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