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Ondrej Pavelec, Jets release statements about DUI

Winnipeg Jets v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 20: Ondrej Pavelec #31 of the Winnipeg Jets watches a puck go by against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game at Consol Energy Center on March 20, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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Earlier this week, reports revealed that Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec was involved in a DUI incident. The Winnipeg Free Press passes along statements from both the Jets and the netminder, starting with Pavelec’s apology to fans and the team.

“On May 26, 2012, I was involved in a traffic accident in the Czech Republic. There were no injuries. Police arrived at the scene and I agreed to a blood alcohol test. On June 12, my attorney appeared in court on my behalf and submitted a plea of guilty at the first proceeding. The court issued a six month suspended sentence and suspended my driver’s license for 20 months in the Czech Republic. The case will be dismissed in 12 months provided I have no alcohol related violations during this time. I’m disappointed in myself for this error in judgment. I’m thankful no one was injured as a result of my actions. I want to sincerely apologize to our fans, the Winnipeg Jets organization, and to my teammates for any embarrassment this has caused. I’m truly sorry for letting you all down.”

Ed Tait notes that the Jets’ statement implies that they weren’t aware of the May 26 arrest when they signed him to a five-year, $19.5 million contract extension:

“The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club would like to state we have now confirmed the details surrounding Ondrej Pavelec while driving under the influence in Kladno, Czech Republic on May 26, 2012. The organization was deeply disappointed to learn of this information yesterday and is fully aware of the seriousness of this matter. We will determine our course of action once we have the chance to meet and discuss with Ondrej in person, which we expect to do at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Again, the key phrase is “the organization was deeply disappointed to learn of this information yesterday.”