Connect with us

NHL

NHL NEWS: Another NHL Star Fails Cocaine Test, Suspended — See Huge Announcement…

Published

on

toronto maple leafs

Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended four years by the International Ice Hockey Federation for testing positive for cocaine.

The Washington Capitals forward has voluntarily entered the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program (SABH), run by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association. The 27-year-old has not been suspended by the NHL but must meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss the situation before the Capitals open training camp Sept. 13.

Kuznetsov was tested May 26 at the 2019 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia, where he was playing for Russia.

He was provisionally suspended June 13 for violating World Anti-Doping Code Article 2.1 (Presence of Prohibited Substance). His suspension, which covers all IIHF competitions, ends June 12, 2023.

“Recently, the IIHF notified me that, due to a positive test for a banned substance, I would be suspended from international competition for four years,” Kuznetsov said in a statement issued by the Capitals on Friday. “I have made the decision to accept this penalty.

“Representing my country has always been so close to my heart and something I take so much pride in. Not being able to put that sweater on for four years is very hard to take. I have disappointed so many people that are important to me, including my family, teammates and friends. From the first day I took the ice in D.C., the Washington Capitals organization and our fans have been nothing but great to me and my family. I feel absolutely terrible for letting you down. I realize that the only way I can win you back is to take ownership of my situation and my actions from this point forward.”

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly issued the following statement:

“We have been fully briefed by the IIHF with respect to the positive test result and related international sanction that has been imposed on Washington Capitals’ Player Evgeny Kuznetsov.

“Unlike the IIHF, cocaine is not considered a performance enhancing drug and is therefore not a Prohibited Substance under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Instead, it is considered a drug of abuse that is tested for and for which intervention, evaluation and mandatory treatment can occur in appropriate cases.

“Here, we understand that Mr. Kuznetsov has voluntarily sought help through the education and counseling program provided for in the NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement and has agreed to a regular testing protocol relating to his involvement with that program.

“Mr. Kuznetsov has also agreed to an in-person meeting with Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss his situation and review his conduct prior to the start of Training Camp preceding the 2019-20 season. We intend to reserve further comment on any additional actions that may or may not be taken with respect to today’s announcement (disciplinary or otherwise) pending the completion of the Commissioner’s meeting with Mr. Kuznetsov.”

The Capitals issued the following statement:

“We are aware of the positive test result and related international sanction that has been imposed on Evgeny Kuznetsov. We are disappointed with this development and take this occurrence seriously. We understand that Evgeny has voluntarily sought help through the education and counseling program provided for in the NHL/NHLPA collective bargaining agreement and has agreed to a regular testing protocol relating to his involvement with that program.

“In addition, we are committed to ensuring he has the necessary support required to work through this situation. We will remain in contact with the NHL as they determine the next steps. Because of the sensitive nature surrounding this matter, there will be no further comment from us at this time.”

Kuznetsov had 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 70 games for the Capitals last season and six points (one goal, five assists) in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games. He helped Washington win the Cup for the first time in its history in 2017-18, when he led the NHL with 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in the playoffs after he had an NHL career-high 83 points (27 goals, 56 assists) in 79 regular-season games.

Kuznetsov, selected by the Capitals in the first round (No. 26) of the 2010 NHL Draft, has 337 points (101 goals, 236 assists) in 416 regular-season games and 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists) in 76 postseason games for Washington.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Recent Posts

Serena Williams dazzles on party Serena Williams dazzles on party
News9 months ago

Look at Six Serena Williams’s private photos that dazzled everyone…. looking provoking

  Serena Williams made one of the most common fashion blunders last night when she flashed her underwear when climbing...

Serena Williams walks red carpet at King Richard Premiere Serena Williams walks red carpet at King Richard Premiere
Celebrity9 months ago

For The Sake Of Sex: Serena Williams drops panties and gets people talking…

  Let’s talk about sex: More specifically Serena Williams’ sex life. The video below is Serena Williams wearing a butt-bearing...

Serena Williams who have dated her Serena Williams who have dated her
News9 months ago

Serena Williams: 14 eye-popping killer body pictures you can’t stop looking at

  Serena Williams looks incredible in a colourful swimsuit as she jumps into the water and cosies up to husband...

Serena Williams shows off her butt in a new Bikini photo Serena Williams shows off her butt in a new Bikini photo
Celebrity9 months ago

12 Serena Williams’ incredible powerhouse swimsuit pictures you can’t stop looking at

  Serena Williams looks incredible in a colourful swimsuit as she jumps into the water and cosies up to husband...

Venus Williams is pictured at wedding Venus Williams is pictured at wedding
Celebrity9 months ago

Venus Williams || Six private photos that dazzled everyone and got fans talking

  As for her biggest role models, Serena Williams says she really doesn’t have to look beyond her own mother...

Serena Williams Shreds Tennis Star Surfing Serena Williams Shreds Tennis Star Surfing
News9 months ago

Serena Williams posts Six private photos: Everyone is talking about

  Serena Williams is one of the top athletes in the world. But the Los Angeles native still likes to...

Serena Williams Soaks Up the Sun in Croatia photo Serena Williams Soaks Up the Sun in Croatia photo
News9 months ago

Serena Williams posts 8 provoking bikini pictures and got fans talking

  The 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams looks fine, sweet and sexy once she wore a bikini on holidays...

Serena Williams’ overwhelming photos everyone talks about Serena Williams’ overwhelming photos everyone talks about
Celebrity9 months ago

17 overwhelming pictures Of Serena Williams we can’t stop looking at…

  Tennis legend Serena Williams is rewarding herself with some fun in the sun following an extremely action-packed schedules in...

Venus Williams wedding pics, Venus Williams wedding pics,
News9 months ago

In Photos: Tennis Superstar Venus Williams tie Knot with Boyfriend

  Legendary athlete Venus Williams is commonly regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time. And while...

Rapper Sean Kingston talks tennis star Serena Williams Rapper Sean Kingston talks tennis star Serena Williams
News9 months ago

“Serena Williams and I had several Exhausting Marathon S*x and I still miss her s*x… “She just knows how to do it very well,” — Sean Kingston opens up

  Sean Kingston has finally revealed the truth about what really happened between him and Serena Williams having Exhausting Marathon...

Advertisement

Copyright © 2017