Kings’ Voynoc suspended by NHL

Los Angeles Kings defenceman was arrested on charges of domestic violence, suspended indefinitely by the league.

Voynov is in the second year of a six-year deal with the Kings [AP]

Los Angeles Kings defenceman Slava Voynov was suspended indefinitely by the National Hockey League following his arrest early Monday on charges of domestic violence, the league said.

Voynov, 24, will be paid during the suspension but will be barred from all club activities pending a formal investigation, the NHL said.

It was not immediately clear what prompted Voynov’s arrest, and the league in its statement gave no other details about the incident. Representatives for the team and the league did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Voynov is in the second year of a six-year, $25 million contract deal that pays him $4.16 million annually. The Russian, who has spent his entire four-year career with the Kings, had two assists in six games this season.

Domestic violence in professional sports has taken a higher profile since video emerged last month of National Football League running back Ray Rice knocking out his wife at a New Jersey casino in February.

Rice was originally suspended for two games, but after the video went viral he was released by the Baltimore Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the league. Rice has appealed.

The NHL’s handling of the Voynov case is in sharp contrast from last year’s arrest of Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who was allowed to play while facing second-degree kidnapping charges that were eventually dropped. Voynov’s suspension was in line with the league’s labor agreement, the league said in its statement.

Source: Reuters