Quote:
Originally Posted by Elkyiv
Does anyone know the legal language that is used when drafting up player contracts? Can being charged with certain Criminal Code sections permit the team to terminate a contract, or does it have to result in a conviction?
I haven't followed too many criminal court cases with athletes, but I recall Kobe playing during his case.
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There's a very broad clause about "conduct detrimental to ... professional hockey".
Paragraphs 2(e) and 14 of the Standard Player's Contract (SPC) read:
2. [...] The Player further agrees,
[...]
(e) to conduct himself on and off the rink according to the highest standards of honesty, morality, fair play and sportsmanship, and to refrain from conduct detrimental to the best interest of the Club, the League or professional hockey in general.
14. The Club may also terminate this SPC upon written notice to the Player (but only after obtaining Waivers from all other Clubs) if the Player shall at any time:
(a) fail, refuse, or neglect to obey the Club's rules governing training and conduct of Players, if such failure, refusal or neglect should constitute a material breach of this SPC.
(b) fail, refuse or neglect to render his services hereunder or in any other manner materially breach this SPC.
Being convicted of a serious crime is likely to be interpreted a "material breach" of the "conduct" clause in paragraph 2(e). Being charged may not be enough justification. Mike Richards' contract with the Kings was infamously unilaterally terminated by the Kings, even though he was facing charges and hadn't been convicted. Ultimately the charges were stayed and Richards reached a cash settlement with the Kings to pay him a portion of the outstanding amount remaining on his contract at the time of the termination.
That said, Article 18-A of the NHL-NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement also gives the Commissioner the power to fine a player, cancel his contract, suspend him, or expel him from the league entirely:
18-A.2 Commissioner Authority to Impose Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct
Whenever the Commissioner determines that a Player has violated a League Rule applicable to Players [...], or has been or is guilty of conduct (whether during or outside the playing season) that is detrimental to or against the welfare of the League or the game of hockey, [...]
The League can suspend players facing criminal charges, pending a formal review (and hearing) of the matter. (Paragraph 18-A.5)