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Nikolai Khabibulin sentenced to 30 days in jail, fined, files appeal

Nikolai Khabibulin

In an undated photo provided by Scottsdale, Ariz., police, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin is seen in a booking photo. Khabibulin is facing DUI and speeding charges. Scottsdale police say an officer pulled over Khabibulin’s Ferrari shortly after midnight on Feb. 8 after the car was clocked at 70 mph in a 45 mph zone. (AP Photo/Scottsdale police via The Canadian Press)

AP

Nikolai Khabibulin has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined for his extreme DUI and speeding case that was decided last week.

What the sentence entails is this according to Arizona Vibe Sports.

Min sentence = 30 days Min Fine = $507.60 DUI Assessment + $500.00 DPS + Jail Costs. Plus State Certified Alcohol Screening and counseling.

Khabibulin’s attorney has already filed an appeal on the sentence and says that Khabibulin has been undergoing counseling and treatment since the incident occurred. With the appeal being filed, it’s unknown when the appeal will be heard but it could take a while. In the meantime, the sentence is on hold because of the appeal and
Khabibulin is free to go.

This makes the move to appeal a bit curious as it’s not likely to help him rally support. What Khabibulin was busted on and punished for shows a tremendous lack of judgment and certainly put others at risk for driving so recklessly and with his abilities impaired. Drunk driving is serious business and cannot be condoned in any way.

Edmonton general manager Steve Tambellini in his statement today says that Khabibulin doesn’t have a problem with alcohol but will be entering the NHLPA treatment program regardless. More importantly for the Oilers, Tambellini says he expects that Khabibulin will be at training camp. I can’t imagine how awkward that might turn out, but being back with the players generally helps settle someone down when personal matters flare up.

Update: Here’s video of Oilers GM Steve Tambellini discussing Khabibulin’s sentence.