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Former NHL Player Ryan Kesler Denies Sexual Assault Allegations in Michigan
Retired NHL player Ryan Kesler is vigorously denying sexual assault allegations after being charged with two misdemeanor counts of criminal sexual conduct in Michigan.
“Ryan emphatically denies the allegations and is completely innocent of the charges. The allegations are false, and he is prepared to fight them vigorously in court,” his attorney Robert Morad told media outlets on Tuesday. Morad asked for privacy as the legal process unfolds, emphasizing the presumption of innocence and expressing confidence that Kesler will be “fully exonerated.”
The 41-year-old former Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks player was arraigned on Monday in a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, courtroom where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Court records reviewed by The Athletic indicate the charges are fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Kesler was released after posting a $50,000 bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for Thursday, November 6.
According to The Athletic, the charges stem from an incident reported to the Orchard Lake Police Department on January 2. Investigators have not yet released specific details regarding the allegations.
The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association has already taken action, with MAHA president Tom Berry confirming to The Athletic that Kesler has been suspended from all MAHA and USA Hockey activities pending the outcome of the case.
Kesler had been serving as head coach with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, a prominent youth program in the Detroit area, for three seasons. A spokesperson for the organization confirmed that Kesler “has been removed from his position while this matter is addressed by the judicial system” and clarified that the allegation was not connected to the program.
The allegations mark a troubling turn for Kesler, who had a distinguished career spanning 15 seasons in the NHL. He played primarily for the Vancouver Canucks before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2014. During his career, Kesler was known as a tenacious two-way forward and earned a reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive centers, winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2011.
Kesler also represented Team USA twice in the Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal at the 2010 games in Vancouver and placing fourth at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. His prominence in hockey was further cemented when he was selected as the cover athlete for the video game NHL 2K11.
In a recent interview before these allegations surfaced, Kesler reflected on his career choices, expressing regret about leaving Vancouver. “Now that I’m retired and looking back on it, I left to win a Cup,” Kesler said this November. “I can say I honestly regret that now.”
Kesler’s playing career came to an end due to chronic hip issues, and he has remained involved in hockey through coaching and media appearances since his retirement. He has not publicly addressed the allegations beyond his attorney’s statement.
The case comes amid increased scrutiny of sexual misconduct allegations in professional sports. The NHL has in recent years worked to develop more comprehensive policies regarding player conduct and investigations into misconduct.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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18 Comments
Allegations of sexual misconduct are always troubling, but Kesler is entitled to the presumption of innocence. The truth will hopefully come out through the legal proceedings.
You’re right, we should let the justice system do its job here. Rushing to conclusions before all the facts are known is unwise.
While the allegations against Kesler are very serious, I’m glad to see his legal team is vowing to fight them vigorously. A fair trial is the best way to get to the truth of the matter.
You make a good point. Kesler deserves his day in court to present his defense. The judicial process should be allowed to play out.
This is a complex and sensitive situation, and I’m glad to see Kesler’s legal team emphasizing the presumption of innocence. The truth will hopefully emerge through the legal proceedings.
Absolutely. Maintaining a fair and impartial process is crucial, regardless of the high-profile nature of the case.
While the allegations against Kesler are serious, I appreciate his legal team’s commitment to fighting them vigorously. The details will be important in determining what actually occurred, and Kesler deserves a fair trial.
You’re right, it’s important to let the legal process play out before drawing any conclusions. Rushing to judgment helps no one in these types of cases.
This is a concerning situation, but I’m glad to see Kesler’s legal team is taking a strong stance in defending him. The presumption of innocence is crucial, and I hope the truth comes to light through the legal process.
Well said. Maintaining a fair and impartial judicial process is essential, regardless of the high-profile nature of the case.
This is a concerning development for Kesler and his fans. While the allegations are serious, he deserves a fair trial to determine the facts of the case. I hope the legal process is thorough and impartial.
Absolutely, due process is critical in these types of cases. Let’s wait for the full details to emerge before rushing to judgment.
This is a complex and sensitive situation. I appreciate Kesler’s legal team emphasizing the presumption of innocence. The details will be important in determining what actually occurred.
Agreed. These types of cases require careful consideration of the evidence on both sides. Jumping to conclusions helps no one.
While the allegations against Kesler are certainly concerning, I respect his decision to plead not guilty and fight them in court. The details and evidence will be critical in determining what actually occurred.
Well said. Rushing to conclusions before all the facts are known serves no one. Let’s hope the legal process is thorough and impartial.
It’s unfortunate that Kesler is facing these charges, but I respect his decision to plead not guilty and assert his innocence. The details will be critical in determining what actually occurred.
Absolutely. These types of cases are complex, and it’s important to avoid rushing to judgment until all the evidence is presented.