An Update on the Mike Richards Situation with Video
Up next
Author

  • TMZ: TMZ’s sources obtained info regard Mike Richards issue that lead to his contract termination.

    NHL officials have been notified that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigation into ex-L.A. Kings player Mike Richards involves the prescription drug oxycodone … multiple sources tell TMZ Sports.

    Our sources say Richards was stopped while crossing from the United States into Canada on June 17th … and we’re told he was questioned about oxycodone pills, a powerful painkiller.

    For the record, Richards has NOT been charged with a crime.

  • Kate Strang of ESPN: The Kings had informed the league of their intentions before they put Mike Richards on unconditional waivers on Sunday according to a source. The NHLPA can file a grievance – they are in the process of gathering info on the matter.

    “We are in the process of reviewing the facts and circumstances of this matter, and will discuss the situation with the player in order to determine the appropriate course of action,” NHLPA spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon said in a statement.

    Sources say the Kings were aware of a situation on Friday, at the draft. The Kings were in trade talks with the Oilers and Flames. GM Dean Lombardi immediately told the teams he had no prior knowledge of the incident, and stop trade talks.

    “He came right over to me,” Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli confirmed to ESPN.com. “He pulled me aside and said, ‘Hey, Pete, this is going to come out. I had no idea. This is important you know so that talks further.'”

    Flames GM Brad Treliving confirmed that Lombardi did the same for him.

    It’s not clear when the incident took place.

    • Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Richards and the NHLPA have 60 days to appeal the termination to a neutral arbitrator. It would be a big surprised if they didn’t challenge it.Richards had five-years left on his deal with a $5.75 million cap hit. There would be a $1.32 million cap hit for the Kings as part of the “cap recapture” penalty. Richards signed the deal with Philadelphia before the new CBA rule was introduced, so they are not affected.
    • Rick Westhead: “Lots speculated about Mike Richards. But…RCMP in BC, Alberta and Manitoba confirm no charges filed v the NHL player & none pending.”

    • James Mirtle: Some people think that it’s smart for the Kings to void Richards contract this way as the legal fees won’t be close to the cost of a buyout.
    • Pierre LeBrun: A player must go on unconditional waivers before a team is allowed to terminate a contact, which is what the Kings did on Sunday with Richards.
    • Eric Macramalla: “Voynov = useful player to Kings = no voiding of contract. Richards = no longer useful to Kings = voiding of contract”(re: Voynov – you can’t terminate a contract of a suspended player)