Domestic violence has been a hot-button issue in the sports world ever since the indefinite suspension of NFL running back Ray Rice. However, the problem isn't limited to professional football. Leagues all across North America are looking to take a harder stance on the issue, as evidenced today by the NHL's decision to indefinitely suspend Los Angeles Kings defender Slava Voynov following a charge of domestic abuse weighed against Voynov this morning. Little is known about Voynov's charge, aside from the fact that he was arrested in Los Angeles today.
However, the NHL didn't waste any time, acting quickly to keep Voynov away from the rink while the legal system works to figure out this matter. The league's domestic violence policy is hazy for the time being, but it's possible that Voynov's situation will prompt the NHL to devise a more permanent solution for the problem. Though it should be noted that when speaking a couple weeks ago, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was non-committal about standardizing a punishment for domestic abuse within the league.
"I'm not sure for us there is any need for any code of conduct other than our players, who overwhelming conduct themselves magnificently off the ice -- we deal with it on a case by case basis," said Bettman. "I don't think we need to formalize anything more."
Drafted in 2008, Voynov has been a regular member of the Kings roster since 2012, winning two Stanley Cups with the team in the three seasons he's played as a consistent contributor. In June of 2013, Voynov signed a 6-year/$25M contract extension with the team.
[via ESPN]
