The NHL, like any major sports leagues will have big mess ups. Just like the NFL, the NHL has had one case of domestic violence this year. Slava Voynov of the Los Angeles Kings was arrested in October and was charged for domestic violence. Marta Varlamova, Voynov's wife claims that the violence started after a Halloween Party he took of his glasses and punched her in the left jaw. When asked about what the argument was about, she said that she did not remember. The violence continued in the couple's Redondo, California beach house where he supposedly choked her three time times. It was also reported that he pushed her down eight to nine times before telling her "I want a divorce" and "Get out". This link is to his mug shot that was taken on October 20, 2014 (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/kings-slava-voynov-suspended-indefinitely-domestic-violence-arrest-article-1.1980434). It was then reported that that Marta was sent to the hospital after Slava reportedly pushed her into the TV after she got out of bed. The hospital reported that she had a 1.2 inch laceration around her left eye and required 8 stiches to repair. Slava, after the story went viral, was suspended indefinitely by the NHL and has been suspended (without pay) since then. His trial is projected start on March 2.
The way the NHL is handling this situation is the correct way. Slava was suspended once the story got out and that is how it should be. The NFL makes its players go through hearings and the league determines the player's suspension. The NFL can learn from the NHL by suspending the player indefinitely and see how the trial goes and see if the player gets charged or not. The NFL is starting to lose its popularity because of all the violent incidents like the Ray Rice incident. Even though we do not know if the NFL got the video of the incident far in advance, we do know the NFL did not make a decision quick enough. All pro leagues should suspend its players indefinitely without pay no matter how severity of the charge. If the player is cleared of the charges, the player should be able to come back and play for his team. However, if the charge is serious enough and goes to trial, then the player should be suspended for the rest of the season and await the decision on his trial.
I believe the NHL is the best sport to find a role model in because they have the least violent incedents off the ice.
ReplyDeleteAlthough these incidents should not have to occur in the first place, the NHL is a good example of how to handle this type of situation. No one should have to suffer from an abusive relationship.
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