Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Lightning’s Malone pleads not guilty to DUI, cocaine possession

Ryan Malone

This Feb. 4, 2014 photo, Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ryan Malone (12) stretches before an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild in St. Paul, Minn. Malone was charged Saturday with DUI and possession of cocaine after a traffic stop, police said. An officer saw Malone’s SUV strike a curb after making a left turn from the center lane early Saturday, said Tampa Police Lt. Paul Lusczynski. After being pulled over, Malone got out of his vehicle, and the officer smelled alcohol on his breath, Lusczynski said. According to the police report, the officer also found 1.3 grams of cocaine in one of Malone’s pockets. Malone was released from the Hillsborough County jail on $2,500 bond. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

AP

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Malone plead not guilty to charges of driving under the influence and cocaine possession stemming from his April 12 arrest in Hillborough County, Florida.

According to Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times, Malone had a charge of driving with a suspended license dismissed from an April 8 traffic stop.

Malone has been getting evaluated under the NHL/NHLPA substance abuse and behavioral health program since his arrest.

No trial date has been set. If Malone is convicted, he could face up to five years and six months in jail.

Malone, 34, had five goals and 10 assists in 55 games this season with the Lightning. He has one more year remaining on his contract with a $4.5 million cap hit.

Follow @JoeYerdonPHT