Slava Voynov Attempts to Appeal Suspension

Slava Voynov is in the process of appealing his suspension.

Rolland Hedges, Voynov’s agent told Lisa Dillman at the Los Angeles Times:

“The player hasn’t been charged with any offense at this point and it’s very difficult for the NHL.  We understand that.  The NHLPA, we understand that, as well.  But there comes a point where the player’s rights have to be looked at.  From this point forward, the player is going to see what can be done to have the suspension lifted.  The player has no control over the criminal prosecution at this point, nor should he.”

Voynov has not skated with the Kings since October 19th, the Kings game against the Minnesota Wild in L.A.

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The NHL suspended Voynov indefinitely the next morning, immediately after news of his arrest broke.

Voynov was arrested in the early hours of the next morning, though official charges have yet to be filed.  Voynov’s next court date is currently scheduled for December 1st.

From Elliot Friedman’s tweets, the only way Voynov will have the suspension lifted is to cooperate with the NHL’s investigation into the situation.

It is unclear if the NHL is running an investigation with private investigators, and their own lawyers or if they are following the reports of the Redondo Beach Police Department.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney is set to meet with the RBPD on Monday, November 10th to discuss potential charges.

Hedges believes now is the time to be proactive: “There comes a point where you just can’t sit back,” he said.  “I think his rights are being infringed right now.   That’s the unfortunate part of this process.”

While it’s unfortunate the Kings have not had Voynov’s services and the defensemen has not been able to participate, he is still being paid his $4.1 million a year salary.  I guess he’s not being infringed too much.

Domestic violence is a serious issue, but let’s be clear: no one is sure if Voynov is guilty.  The only two people who know for sure are Voynov and his wife Marta Varlamova.  Marta has stated that she does not wish to press charges.  The couple has stated that the incident, and following hospital trip was the result of an accident during an argument.

Michael J. Walsh, Marta’s attorney, was asked if Slava was responsible for causing Marta’s injuries.  Walsh responded saying, “I’m not sure how I’d want to phrase that.  There was an incident that led up to it.  Both of them are characterizing it as an accident and that’s probably all I want to say at this point,” he said.  “If there wasn’t a criminal case pending, I’d go into more detail.  It’s not as horrific as some people are assuming it to be.”

It is up to the state of California to press charges in cases of Domestic Violence.  According to the law, domestic violence is a crime against the state, therefore the decision is left up to the discretion of the District Attorney.

Apr 22, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov (26) during game three of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the San Jose Sharks at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If Voynov is ready to appeal his suspension that is a sign he is ready to cooperate further with NHL investigators.

In all hopes Voynov will be cleared of all these charges, so he can move forward with his wife, his life, and his hockey career with the Kings.