IIHF suspends Kuznetsov 4 years for cocaine

6:05 am | August 23, 2019 | Go to Source | Author:

8:59 AM ET

Emily KaplanESPN

The International Ice Hockey Federation suspended Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov for four years after he tested positive for cocaine at the 2019 IIHF World Championships on May 26.

The IIHF announced the suspension Friday, saying Kuznetsov “didn’t require the analysis of his B-sample and was provisionally suspended on 13th June 2019.” He will be eligible to return on June 12, 2023, meaning he will miss the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Kuznetsov said in a statement that he had accepted the IIHF penalty.

“Representing my country has always been so close to my heart and something I take so much pride in. Not being able to put that sweater on for four years is very hard to take,” Kuznetsov said. “I have disappointed so many people that are important to me, including my family, teammates and friends. … I feel absolutely terrible for letting you down. I realize that the only way I can win you back is to take ownership of my situation and my actions from this point forward.”

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement that the league had been “briefed by the IIHF” regarding the positive test result and that Kuznetsov is seeking help through resources provided by the collective bargaining agreement.

“We understand that Mr. Kuznetsov has voluntarily sought help through the education and counseling program provided for in the NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement and has agreed to a regular testing protocol relating to his involvement with that program,” Daly said. “Mr. Kuznetsov has also agreed to an in-person meeting with Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss his situation and review his conduct prior to the start of Training Camp preceding the 2019-20 season.”

Daly said the NHL would wait to determine any further actions until after Kuznetsov meets with Bettman.

In May, Kuznetsov appeared in a now-deleted video that surfaced on social media sitting in a hotel room near lines of a white, powdery substance. Kuznetsov denied ever taking drugs. The NHL launched an investigation into the incident, which it swiftly closed.

Saying they were disappointed by Friday’s news, the Capitals released a statement that they will continue to support Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov, 27, is under contract with the Capitals through the 2024-25 season.

The NHL tests its players for drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and marijuana. However according to the NHL and NHLPA’s joint Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, players are not suspended for positive tests. Rather, if the program administrators flag “abnormally high levels” of any substance, the veil of anonymity is lifted and doctors can recommend treatment.

If the player chooses to enter the SABH, the NHL and NHLPA doctors have the power to levy fines, suspensions or other penalties if conditions are breached. However, the player is not required to enter the program if he doesn’t want to.