Kings Respond To Player's Suspension Over Alleged Domestic Violence
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Suspended Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov was charged Thursday with felony domestic violence, authorities said.
Voynov was charged with corporal injury to a spouse, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office spokesman Ricardo Santiago. The charge includes an allegation of causing great bodily injury.
The 24-year-old was arrested in October after Voynov took the victim identified only as an adult female to a hospital in Redondo Beach, where an ER nurse noticed the nature of the injuries and notified police.
Voynov later posted bond at $50,000, according to police.
He was suspended indefinitely from all club activities pending a formal investigation.
The team released a statement regarding the suspension: "We maintain our support for the NHL's indefinite suspension of Slava Voynov. We will continue to closely monitor developments of the legal proceedings and work in partnership with the NHL to determine the proper course of action in the future."
Voynov's attorney Craig Renetzky on Thursday also released a statement that said: "Mr. Voynov is extremely disappointed that the district attorney has elected to file charges. Mr. Voynov absolutely maintains his innocence and is looking forward to clearing his name in court."
Police had gone to Voynov's home in the 800 block of Avenue C the night of Oct. 19 in response to a report of a woman screaming and crying, Redondo Beach police Lt. Joe Hoffman said.
During an argument that night, Voynov caused his wife to suffer injuries to her eyebrow, cheek and neck, prosecutors said. The injuries were serious and required medical attention at a hospital where the defendant was arrested, according to Santiago.
His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 1.
In response to the arrest, the L.A. Kings released the following statement: "These developments are of great concern to our organization. We support the NHL's decision to suspend Slava Voynov indefinitely during this process, and we will continue to take appropriate action as the legal proceedings and the investigation by the NHL take their course."
A native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, Voynov was one of only four Kings to play in all 82 games during the 2013-14 season. He was the youngest member of Team Russia at the 2007 World Junior Championships and competed again for Russia in 2008.
Voynov was released on $50,000 bail.
The former second round pick signed a six-year, $25 million contract with the Kings last June.
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