Breaking news: Artemi Panarin to step away after 2011 alleged incident
In shocking news, Artemi Panarin will be taking a leave of absence from the New York Rangers after allegations emerged regarding the Russian superstar. The story broke after an article was published early this morning in Panarin’s home country.
The article, speculated by some to be a politically motivated retaliation, alleges that the Russian skater beat up an 18-year-old girl in Latvia while playing for the KHL’s Chekhov Vityaz in 2011. The allegations come from Panarin’s former coach, Andrei Nazarov.
The story was first reported by the New York Post’s Larry Brooks and then further investigated by the NY Post’s Mollie Walker. Less than an hour ago, Walker tweeted out the following:
#NYR expected to release a statement shortly in response to news that Artemi Panarin will be stepping away from the team in wake of an article from Russia alleging that he beat up an 18-year-old girl in Russia in 2011
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 22, 2021
The allegations are coming from a former head coach of Panarin's while he was with the KHL's Vitayaz, Andrei Nazarov, who has repeatedly criticized Panarin for his outspoken position on Russian president Vladimir Putin's regime.
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 22, 2021
Panarin is the most decorated Russian player in the NHL to take opposition against Russian President, Vladamir Putin. Panarin has used his stardom and social media presence to speak out against the Russian government and the country’s restrictions on freedom of speech. In 2019, Panarin took to youtube to air his political frustrations. Since then, Panarin, who still has family in Russia, has been publicly lambasted for his opinions.
Other Russian NHLers including Alexander Ovechkin have publicly disagreed with Panarin’s sentiments.
I've confirmed with #NYR that Artemi Panarin has taken a leave of absence. They're not saying much else for now, but clearly eyebrows are raised at these allegations coming after Panarin's been outspoken against Putin and he's concern about the well being of his family in Russia.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) February 22, 2021
No evidence has emerged regarding the situation, but other publications have picked up the story, which is now trending on Twitter.
The New York Rangers have since tweeted the following:
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 22, 2021
At this time it is unknown how long Panarin is expected to be away from the team. However, it is evident by their tweet that the New York Rangers are in total support of their franchise player. Hopefully, the truth will come to the surface sooner rather than later.