The Rochester (N.Y.) Amerks hockey team and Highland Hospital in Rochester have cut ties with a dentist accused of hosting a racist and misogynistic Juneteenth party at his home with his wife, WHAM, an ABC affiliate, reported Aug. 12.
Nicholas Nicosia, DDS, is the owner of Nicosia Dental in Rochester. He served as the hockey team's dentist and was a board member at the hospital.
The hockey team announced it ended its relationship with Dr. Nicosia Aug. 12 due to the allegations, while the hospital stated Dr. Nicosia resigned from his position that same day.
"My wife Mary and I were surprised and disappointed about the allegations that have been made against us, and by the responses being posted on social media," Dr. Nicosia and his wife said in a statement to local news station WROC. "We strongly disagree with how we are being characterized and are hopeful that the community will hold its judgment while we seek to clear our names. Highland Hospital has asked me to step down from its Board of Directors, and I have agreed to do so, so that I can focus my efforts on restoring our reputations."
Becker's has reached out to Dr. Nicosia for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.