Evgeny Kuznetsov and his NHL team, the Washington Capitals, have released a joint statement after his positive test for cocaine and his subsequent four-year ban from representing Team Russia in IIHF international hockey. The Capitals' statement reads:
"We are aware of the positive test result and related international sanction that has been imposed on Evgeny Kuznetsov. We are disappointed with this development and take this occurrence seriously. We understand that Evgeny has voluntarily sought help through the education and counseling program provided for in the NHL/NHLPA collective bargaining agreement and has agreed to a regular testing protocol relating to his involvement with that program. In addition, we are committed to ensuring he has the necessary support required to work through this situation. We will remain in contact with the NHL as they determine the next steps. Because of the sensitive nature surrounding this matter, there will be no further comment from us at this time."
As for Kuznetzov himself, he had this to say in his written statement:
"Recently, the IIHF notified me that, due to a positive test for a banned substance, I would be suspended from international competition for four years. I have made the decision to accept this penalty. Representing my country has always been so close to my heart and something I take so much pride in. Not being able to put that sweater on for four years is very hard to take. I have disappointed so many people that are important to me, including my family, teammates and friends. From the first day I took the ice in D.C., the Washington Capitals organization and our fans have been nothing but great to me and my family. I feel absolutely terrible for letting you down. I realize that the only way I can win you back is to take ownership of my situation and my actions from this point forward."
According to an earlier statement from the NHL, Kuznetzov is not facing a suspension from the league. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said “Unlike the IIHF, cocaine is not considered a performance enhancing drug and is therefore not a Prohibited Substance under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Instead, it is considered a drug of abuse that is tested for and for which intervention, evaluation and mandatory treatment can occur in appropriate cases. Here, we understand that Mr. Kuznetsov has voluntarily sought help through the education and counseling program provided for in the NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement and has agreed to a regular testing protocol relating to his involvement with that program."
In May of this year, a video surfaced on the internet showing Kuznetzov sitting next to two lines of a powdery substance in what appeared to be a hotel room. While the video release happened one day after he won a bronze medal at the World Championship, Kuznetzov stated it was from 2018 in Las Vegas, after the Capitals had won the Stanley Cup. At the time, Kuznetzov claimed he had "nothing to hide" and stated he had "never tried drugs and I never will." He claimed he simply walked into the room of a friend and the substance was there, adding he left shortly after. Following "fact-finding steps", the NHL cleared the 27-year-old forward.
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Meanwhile, Kuznetzov has removed all posts from his Instagram account and set it to private
