NHL
Vegas Golden Knights’ Nate Schmidt Violates NHLPA PED Rules
On September 2, the NHL announced that Nate Schmidt will be suspended for 20 games, without pay. Consequently, the suspension is a result of violating the terms for the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. According to the Program:
Positive tests for performance-enhancing substances will result in mandatory discipline as follows:
For the first positive test, a 20-game suspension without pay and mandatory referral to the League’s Substance Abuse/Behavioral Health Program for evaluation, education and possible treatment.
Above all, Nate Schmidt was compliant with the drug testing, according to himself. Additionally, Schmidt claims to have taken only drugs given to him by the team.
Statement from Schmidt
As a result of this, Nate Schmidt released a statement via the NHLPA. In the statement, Schmidt states that he is ‘extremely careful about what [he] puts into [his] body’. Only seven billionths of a milligram of the drug appeared in Schmidt’s system; the equivalent of ‘a pinch of salt in an Olympic-sized swimming pool’.
Statement from Nate Schmidt, via @NHLPA pic.twitter.com/kGA5acPDG7
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 2, 2018
As a result of this suspension, Schmidt not only misses joining his team on another run for the cup, he also goes without pay. Additionally, there will also be no more word from Schmidt on the matter.
Statement from Vegas
“We were notified that the NHL has suspended Nate Schmidt for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. While we respect the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program and are committed to its success, we strongly disagree with the suspension. We firmly believe that the presence of a trace of the banned substance was accidental and unintentional. Based on our conversations with Nate, analysis from independent medical experts and sworn testimony from the parties involved, we believe it is clear Nate was not able to reasonably ascertain how the substance entered his body. Nate is an honest person with high moral character and great integrity. We will stand by him and support him during this time.”
In conclusion, Knights stated that they will not be commenting on this matter further.
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