Andrew Barroway, the minority owner of the Arizona Coyotes, is facing an indefinite suspension from the National Hockey League (NHL) following a felony strangulation charge. The charge was filed against Barroway in New York on June 11, 2021, and stems from an incident that allegedly occurred in December 2020.
According to reports, Barroway is accused of strangling a woman he was dating at his home in New York City. The woman reportedly suffered injuries to her neck and throat during the incident. Barroway has denied the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The NHL has taken swift action in response to the charge, announcing on June 15 that Barroway has been suspended indefinitely from all league activities. The league stated that it will conduct its own investigation into the matter and will take further action as necessary.
Barroway’s suspension has raised questions about the future of the Coyotes, as he is one of the team’s primary owners. The team has struggled financially in recent years and has been the subject of relocation rumors. Barroway’s suspension could further complicate the team’s situation and make it more difficult for them to attract investors or secure a new arena.
The Coyotes have issued a statement in response to Barroway’s suspension, stating that they are aware of the situation and are cooperating with the NHL’s investigation. The team also emphasized that Barroway is a minority owner and that his suspension will not affect the day-to-day operations of the team.
The NHL has been increasingly proactive in addressing issues of domestic violence and other forms of misconduct by its players and executives in recent years. The league has implemented a number of policies aimed at preventing and addressing such behavior, including mandatory counseling and education programs for players and staff.
Barroway’s suspension is a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or status. The NHL’s swift and decisive action sends a clear message that the league takes allegations of domestic violence seriously and will not tolerate such behavior from anyone associated with the sport.
As the NHL continues to grapple with issues of misconduct and abuse, it is important for all members of the hockey community to take a stand against such behavior and work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all players, staff, and fans.
