Suspended Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov pleaded no contest in court Thursday as part of a plea agreement stemming from a domestic violence charge dating back to last October. As part of his plea deal, Voynov must serve 90 days in jail and will be on probation for three years.
Additionally, Voynov must pay a $700 fine and participate in a 52-week domestic violence prevention program with eight hours of community service.
Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register has more details of the court's ruling here.
Voynov was officially charged with corporal injury to a spouse after allegedly shoving his wife into a television, causing a large cut that required eight stitches to close. He also allegedly choked his wife, who did not testify in open court, nor did she cooperate with the district attorney.
By pleading no contest, Voynov accepts the punishment of the court without an outright admission of guilt. This plea also leaves Voynov vulnerable to deportation, though that would have to be decided in immigration court according to the judge handling Voynov’s criminal case.
The NHL suspended Voynov indefinitely immediately after learning the specifics of the case (which was essentially that same morning of the incident). The league is expected to conduct its own investigation, as it can potentially terminate his contract with the Kings over this incident.
Should state here that absolutely not a given Slava Voynov gets reinstated. NHL will still conduct its own investigation before deciding
— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) July 2, 2015
The Kings also recently terminated the contract of forward Mike Richards over a material breach of contract, though did not divulge details of what triggered that decision. However, the precedent has been set and leaves Voynov prone to the same fate.Where this goes next is anyone’s guess, but it will start with Voynov serving jail time as he will have to surrender no later than July 14.
Update: The Los Angeles Kings issued the following statement on Thursday evening...
"We believe the legal system has effectively resolved this matter and the punishment is fair and just. Any act of domestic violence is unacceptable. As an organization, the prevention of domestic violence and the education of our players and employees is of paramount importance. We will continue to actively develop and implement a strategy to deliver this message. We remain steadfast in our support of the National Hockey League as they now begin their own investigative process. Until that is complete we will withhold further comment."
