Florida Panthers Defenseman Aaron Ekblad Shockingly Handed 20-Game Suspension For PED's
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Photo credit: Daily Faceoff
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has shockingly been handed a top-10 longest suspension in NHL history for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
Ekblad, who is in the final year of an 8-year $60 Million contract, will have to serve his suspension without pay for the next 20 games, which will see him forfeit nearly $1.8 million.
Under the terms of the of the NHL CBA, along with his suspension, he will havbe to join the leagues mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health, where he will need to be cleared to play when he returns.
BREAKING: #FlaPanthers defender Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games, without pay, for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. #TimeToHunt
Aaron Ekblad releases heartfelt statement after suspension
Ekblad released a statement that took full accountability for his mistake, but also made it clear he did not willingly break the CBA for performance enhancers.
«As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The news that I had failed a random drug test was a shock. Ultimately, I made a mistake by taking something to help me recover from recent injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel.
I have let my teammates down, the Panthers organization and our great fans down. For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates.»
I have let my teammates down, the Panthers organization and our great fans down. For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates.»
According to NHL.com, other than the players that were handed lifetime bans which is not technically "suspensions" but expulsions, Ekblad now will have joined the ranks of tying the 6th-longest suspension in the leagues history.
Source: NHL.com
Panthers' Ekblad suspended 20 games
Panthers' Ekblad suspended 20 games
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