Kings Fined $100K After Suspended Voynov Skates With Teammates
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Kings have been fined $100,000 for allowing suspended defenseman Slava Voynov, who is facing a domestic violence charge, to skate with the team, league officials announced Tuesday.
The announcement came as Kings officials acknowledged that Voynov skated with teammates during a team practice, a violation of the terms of Voynov's suspension "which permit Mr. Voynov to use club facilities and work with team personnel but prohibit his participation in any team-related functions or activities," according to a statement from the National Hockey League.
An apparent photo of Voynov at practice was posted on Twitter by Kings beat reporter Jon Rosen.
According to Rosen, the Kings did not consult with league officials before allowing Voynov to skate with the team and that they viewed the morning skate as an "optional" practice, CBS Sports reported.
In a statement, the Kings apologized for the move.
"This was clearly a mistake on our part and we accept full responsibility. It is incumbent upon us to be more vigilant in managing this situation to ensure that Slava's allowable training activities always remain separate from the team."
Voynov pleaded not guilty Monday to one count of felony domestic violence.
Prosecutors say that Voynov, 24, injured his wife during an Oct. 19 argument at their Redondo Beach home.
Police were notified of the woman's injuries after she sought medical attention at a hospital.
In court Monday, the judge denied the District Attorney's Office request for a criminal protective order for Voynov's wife after her lawyer told the judge the couple was still living together.
Voynov has been suspended indefinitely from the NHL since the date of his arrest.
He is free on $50,000 bail and will return to court Dec. 15 for a preliminary hearing.
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