Slava Voynov was arrested this morning after being charged with domestic assault. Pursuant to s. 18-A.5 of the NHLPA CBA, Voynov has been suspended indefinitely "from all club activities" by the NHL.
The text of the league press release:
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov has been suspended indefinitely from all club activities pending a formal investigation by the National Hockey League of an arrest this morning on charges of domestic violence.
The suspension was imposed under Section 18-A.5 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which provides that, during the pendency of a criminal investigation, "The League may suspend the Player pending the League’s formal review and disposition of the matter where the failure to suspend the Player during this period would create a substantial risk of material harm to the legitimate interests and/or reputation of the League."
Voynov, who will continue to be paid during the pendency of the investigation, was arrested for California Penal Code section 273.5, Domestic Violence.
California Penal Code s. 273.5 applies to any person who "willfully inflicts corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a victim". "Traumatic condition" is defined as "a condition of the body, such as a wound, or external or internal injury, including, but not limited to, injury as a result of strangulation or suffocation, whether of a minor or serious nature, caused by a physical force".
There doesn't appear to be any additional information at this time, but this article will be updated if/when it becomes available. For some perspective on athlete partners & the issues they face in coming forward regarding domestic abuse, this Washington Post article might be helpful.
Please feel free to discuss in the comments, but refrain from legal pontificating (unless you are a licensed California lawyer who practices in criminal law), excuse-making, or victim-blaming. Remember that, while "innocent until proven guilty" is a legal maxim, a) charges cannot be laid without some evidence that a crime has been committed and b) legal maxims are not formulated to dictate how we should respond to complex situations as compassionate human beings. Most importantly, remember that sports are games - never more important than people's health. Regardless of how this situation evolves, there is undeniably an endemic problem with violence, particularly domestic/intimate partner violence, in professional sports. It is also undeniable that the cost of the necessary conversations which are not taking place is victims' safety. The first priority, now and ongoing, is the well-being of the victim and her child. All of our thoughts & support at JftC go out to them.
Update: Voynov's first court date - his arraignment, presumably - will be on Oct 22, as per Lisa Dillman of the Times.
Update: From ABC News, Redondo Beach police officers responded to an area hospital at about 1 a.m. this morning to interview the victim. Voynov is being held on bail of $50,000.