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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.
“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.”
CBSA (border guards) routinely shares info about charges: http://t.co/yTUOpGGGz1 Here’s what CBSA says of Richards: pic.twitter.com/CTf0nwXeKp
— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) June 30, 2015
- 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)