NHL News: Jarret Stoll's Felony Cocaine Charge Dismissed
Charges of one count of felony for cocaine possession against Los Angeles Kings centre Jarret Stoll has been reduced to two misdemeanors.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion pleaded guilty to resolve the felony cocaine case. Stoll’s attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld submitted a written plea in Las Vegas court on Thursday to breach of the peace and trespassing.
"Now that the case has been resolved I am committed to meeting all of my obligations to the Court and am grateful for the chance to offer guidance and share positive life lessons to kids as part of the resolution of this matter. My focus remains on hockey and I am looking forward to getting back on the ice next season,” Stoll said in a statement via Yahoo Sports.
Reports from Katie Strang of ESPN.com says that the misdemeanors are ‘1) provoking commission of breach of peace and 2) trespass. 120 days to complete 32 hours of community service.’ Strang also noted that the community service will be with the Salvation Army and organising a hockey program for Vegas-area at-risk youths.
Chesnoff said that Stoll, who will donate hockey equipment worth $50,000 as part of the youth progam, has already started the community commitment with Salvation Army in Clark County. It was also noted in Thursday’s court proceedings that some NHL players will address the hockey youth program as per LA Times.
“He’s a great athlete. That’s his sport. We knew [the NHL] could be coming and we thought it would be something that would catch the attention of the at-risk kids and provide Jarett a forum to tell them about how important a good lifestyle and health is. We’re very satisfied [with the resolution],” said Chesnoff.
Stoll was arrested in MGM Grand Wet Republic’s pool in Las Vegas late April for possession of 3.3 grams of cocaine and ecstasy capsules according to police reports. The 33-year-old veteran, who had been with the Kings since 2008 and won two championships in 2012 and 2014, will hit free agency on July 1. He scored six goals and 11 assists in 73 games last season.
