Lightning forward Ryan Malone was arrested early Saturday morning for driving under the influence and cocaine possession in South Tampa.
Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times has a statement from Lightning GM Steve Yzerman.
“We are aware of the situation concerning Ryan Malone this morning,” general manager Steve Yzerman said in a statement. “Ryan will not travel with the team to Washington today, but beyond that we cannot comment further at this time.”
Malone was held on $2,500 bond. The arrest report can be viewed here at the Hillsborough County site.
Malone, 34, is in his sixth season with the Lightning and 10th in the NHL. In 57 games this season, he has five goals and 10 assists and has been a fourth line player of late and, more recently, a healthy scratch for the past three games. He has one year left on his contract with the Lightning.
Update (11:43 a.m. ET): Here’s more from the Tampa Tribune’s Erik Erlendsson:
According to arrest report, Malone was observed by officer striking a curb with his vehicle and was pulled overr (more)
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) April 12, 2014
Also according to arrest report, officer smelled alcohol and conducted a field sobriety test, but Malone refused a breathalyzer (more)
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) April 12, 2014
Also according to the arrest report, officer searched Malone and found bag of 1.3 grams of cocaine in Malone's right back pocket (more)
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) April 12, 2014
Also according to arrest report, Malone was taken in to custody on DUI charge, and conducted a breath test, and blew a .112 & .116
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) April 12, 2014
Update (1:31 p.m. ET): NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly released a statement on Malone’s arrest:
“We are aware of the situation this morning involving Tampa BayLightning forward Ryan Malone. Under the terms of the collectivelybargained joint NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program,Mr. Malone is subject to mandatory evaluation and, if deemed necessary bythe Program Doctors, treatment pursuant to the terms of that Program. Hisfuture playing status, both in the near term and during the Playoffs, willbe determined in accordance the terms of our SABH Program.”