Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jarred Tinordi has been suspended by the NHL for 20 games for violating the Performance Enhancing Substance Program.
https://twitter.com/AZCoyotesNews/status/707599795850850304
The 24-year-old, who is pointless in seven games since being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in January, becomes the second player suspended under the PED program this year following Anaheim Ducks forward Shawn Horcoff who was dinged 20 games back in late January.
Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said in a team statement he supports the ruling but intends to support Tinordi through the process.
“Late yesterday afternoon, we were made aware of the situation regarding Jarred Tinordi. The Arizona Coyotes organization fully supports the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. We will also continue to support Jarred throughout this process. We will have no further comment at this time.”
The NHLPA released a statement on behalf of Tinordi, and he predictably said he unknowingly took a banned substance, although accepted responsibility.
“I am extremely disappointed that I failed a test under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. I did not knowingly take a banned substance. I understand, however, that I am responsible for what enters my body as a professional athlete and I accept the suspension. I will work hard towards my return to the ice and will learn from this frustrating setback.”
That’s a cliched answer from Tinordi, and these days it’s hard to tell if an athlete is telling the truth when it comes to PEDs. Tinordi is a former first-round pick, and at this point, his career has been a disappointment. You wonder how much staying power he has in the league. This latest news doesn’t help.
