Rolf Nilsen accepts his penalty.

Nilsen, owner of the Ontario Hockey League's Flint Firebirds, was suspended from being involved in hockey operations for five years, and announced Friday he won't appeal the ban.

"I accept and respect the commissioner's decision in this matter," Nilsen wrote in a statement. "Accordingly, I will take no steps to appeal the decision. I will devote all of my energy to complying with the order, focusing solely on business operations and placing myself in the best position to apply for reinstatement to hockey operations at the appropriate time."

Nilsen can reapply for involvement in hockey ops in three years.

It was a tumultuous season in Flint, with Nilsen firing his entire coaching staff on two separate occasions, and the league eventually taking control of the team.

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