Rangers, Panarin, and more respond to today's accusations.

The troops rally behind Panarin.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 3 years ago
Rangers, Panarin, and more respond to today's accusations.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Earlier today news broke regarding some pretty serious allegations against New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin. I won't repeat them here but you can read our original report on them here as well as our report on allegations made by his former head coach here, however there is now good reason to believe these allegations are false. 

First and foremost the Rangers and Panarin himself have now released a joint statement wholeheartedly rejecting the accusations that have been levied against him today.

"Artemi vehemently and unequivocally denies any and all allegations in this fabricated story. This is clearly an intimidation tactic being used against him for being outspoken on recent political events. Artemi is obviously shaken and concerned and will take some time away from the team. The Rangers fully support Artemi and will work with him to identify the source of these unfounded allegations."

By the standards of the National Hockey League that is a strongly worded statement and it would appear that the Rangers are confident of the fact that their man is innocent of these heinous charges. There may also be good reason for that confidence from the Rangers as now several reporters from overseas have begun to report that the story put forward by Andrei Nazarov, Panarin's former coach, is a blatant falsehood. 

Former Russian reporter turned general manager Igor Eronko reports that staff at his former outlet, Sports.ru, have already poked holes in Nazarov's story. I followed Eronko's career as a reporter and he was impeccable, to hear him describe this story as "obvious lies" is a powerful message in my estimation.

Eronko is not alone however. Latvian reporter Aivis Kalnins has also reached out to the alleged parties involved in this incident, that is to say the hotel and bar where this was alleged to have taken place, as well as the local authorities. Thus far it would appear that everyone who he has heard from has indicated that this story is a complete fabrication.

Kalnins did not name any names, but if this is indeed a politically motivated hit on Panarin it would makes sense that potential witnesses would prefer to remain anonymous less they be targeted themselves. 

As always there are two sides to this story, hopefully this will receive a full investigation so we can get to the bottom of it. 


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