IIHF Suspend Evgeny Kuznetsov for 4 Years

[GBHockey]

Russia and Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended by the IIHF for 4-years for testing positive for Cocaine following the 2019 World Championships in Slovakia.

Kuznetsov will be ineligible until 12th June 2023.

IIHF - IIHF suspends Kuznetsov

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[ViD]

Well, that video story is going to take a new turn

 

[Pensionsraddare]

Partypoopers. What is party without cocaine?

 

[Bakayoko Ono]

This is what he said back in May, when those pics/video surfaced:

“I’m not always involved in everything that is happening around me. I have never tried drugs and I never will. If you have any doubts about me, I’m ready to undergo a medical test,” he added.
“The video was taken last year in Las Vegas, when we won the Stanley Cup. It has no relation to the recent ice hockey world championship,” Kuznetsov continued.
“I just visited my friends’ hotel room, but left soon after seeing what was happening there: strange substances on the table and unknown women. I just called my friend and left the room as soon as possible.”

‘Not in love with the coco?’ NHL star Kuznetsov denies drug use as ‘cocaine’ video appears online

Ouch.

 

[Sentinel]

Why? Cocaine is not a PED.

 

[GBHockey]

Why? Cocaine is not a PED.

Still a prohibited substance under the IIHF's World Anti-Doping Code Article 2.1.

 

[Albatros]

First Bäckström and now Kuznetsov, something in the water or...

 

[Sentinel]

Still a prohibited substance under the IIHF's World Anti-Doping Code Article 2.1.

I'm glad they didn't test the NHLers in the 80s international events. None of them would be allowed to exit their dressing room.

 

[slovakiasnextone]

I really doubt that is the case for Russian players;

 

[Pensionsraddare]

First Bäckström and now Kuznetsov, something in the water or...

Bäckström wasn't cocaine though. That was asthmamedicin.

 

[JackSlater]

Dumb. I don't think that cocaine should be an IIHF issue. This could all just be part of a grand conspiracy though!

 

[Claypool]

Dumb. I don't think that cocaine should be an IIHF issue. This could all just be part of a grand conspiracy though!

Or you could just...not use cocaine.

 

[MXD]

Is that ruling him out for the next World Cup?
(...ehh this is more for the Business of Hockey subboard)

 

[JackSlater]

Or you could just...not use cocaine.

Sure, no bearing on anything I said though.

 

[Sentinel]

Is that ruling him out for the next World Cup?
(...ehh this is more for the Business of Hockey subboard)

World Cup is not an IIHF event.

 

[TheGoldenJet]

Is that ruling him out for the next World Cup?
(...ehh this is more for the Business of Hockey subboard)

Excellent question, I’d like to know this as well.

Technically World Cup is not part of the IIHF but perhaps the NHL will uphold their decision? Either way he’s out of the next Olympics, if NHL attendance were to happen somehow.

 

[lawrence]

meh, nothing will come of it, Russia will figure something out (under the table) to lift this ban.

Technically World Cup is not part of the IIHF

it absolutely is under the IIHF. the IIHF World Cup of hockey.

 

[goonybird]

Bäckström wasn't cocaine though. That was asthmamedicin.

It was an amphetamine that treats allergies, but still lol. Maybe his trainer put it in his water like Agassi!

 

[Star Ocean]

It was an amphetamine that treats allergies, but still lol. Maybe his trainer put it in his water like Agassi!

So? His medicine was for a disease. Big difference from using coke in your freetime.

 

[TheGoldenJet]

it absolutely is under the IIHF. the IIHF World Cup of hockey.

No, it’s run by the NHL and NHLPA, not the IIHF.

 

[Uncle Rotter]

Why? Cocaine is not a PED.

It's a bit of a stimulant.

 

[Oleksiak]

Four years for cocaine seems excessive when you consider how long the suspension is for a dirty hit.

 

[goonybird]

So? His medicine was for a disease. Big difference from using coke in your freetime.

We can all take solace in knowing that someday we will find a cure for his disease

 

[Peiskos]

4 years seems excessive, cocaine isn't a PED and I highly doubt he played a game shortly after doing a few lines. IIHF would have been better off requiring him to take some rehab/addiction classes.

Just a terrible approach by the IIHF, so their approach here is more about punishment than help and recovery. Not surprised, their refs are stupid enough.. makes sense for their suits to be even dumber.

 

[Albatros]

4 years seems excessive, cocaine isn't a PED and I highly doubt he played a game shortly after doing a few lines. IIHF would have been better off requiring him to take some rehab/addiction classes.

Just a terrible approach by the IIHF, so their approach here is more about punishment than help and recovery. Not surprised, their refs are stupid enough.. makes sense for their suits to be even dumber.

Are you suggesting that doing cocaine during international tournaments should be tolerated? Zero tolerance is the right call; playing international hockey is a privilege, not a right. He can still continue making his living in the NHL and attend rehab there.