IIHF Suspends Capitals' Evgeny Kuznetsov for 4 Years From International Play for Cocaine Use
By Sam Dunn
A truly damning viral video finally caught up with Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Washington Capitals center, fresh off a bronze medal finish with Team Russia at the IIHF world hockey championships, was revealed Friday to have tested positive for cocaine during the course of the tournament. He's now been banned for four years from international competition.
And many hockey fans are surely wondering why today's decision didn't get handed out far, far sooner.
Russian forward Yevgeni Kuznetsov has received a 4-year suspension from the IIHF after testing positive for a banned substance at the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. https://t.co/qLpqHGKlbT
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) August 23, 2019
In the spring, an undated video landed on social media depicting Kuznetsov and another person near a series of lines of white powder. The writing was clearly on the wall, and now, the Caps veteran has to face the music.
"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," Kuznetsov said in an official statement delivered via the Capitals. "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."
Statements from Capitals and Evgeny Kuznetsov: https://t.co/w5AicEkWhB
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 23, 2019
While the NHL isn't required to issue any discipline given that the drug violation came under the IIHF's purview. As it stands, a four-year absence from international play would require the 27-year-old to miss the 2022 Winter Olympics, as well as the next three world championship tournaments.