Sean Avery Says Wayne Simmonds Uttered Homophobic Slur At Him

PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) -- New York Rangers forward Sean Avery says Wayne Simmonds of Philadelphia uttered a homophobic slur at him on the ice.

Avery told ESPN.com that Simmonds made the remark during the first period of Philadelphia's 5-3 preseason win over the Rangers on Monday night.

ESPN.com reported that a video replay showed Simmonds issuing the epithet toward Avery near the Flyers bench

Last week, Simmonds -- who is black -- was involved in another controversy when someone threw a banana on the ice from the stands as he was taking a shootout attempt during a game in London, Ontario.

Simmonds, who says Avery sucker-punched him Monday, didn't deny making the comment when speaking to reporters after the game.

Simmonds was traded by the Kings during the offseason, Avery left the Kings in 2007, one year before Simmonds suited up for Los Angeles.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)