The NHL Expels Probert After His Drug Arrest

Bob Probert of the Detroit Red Wings Saturday became the first player to be expelled by the National Hockey League for a drug-related incident as league officials responded to the player’s recent arrest for smuggling cocaine.

John Ziegler, league president, said in a written statement: “It is a special privilege to play in the National Hockey League. If you choose to be involved with illegal drugs, you will lose that privilege. If (drug use) is your choice, we want you out of our business.”

Probert, 23, an All-Star right wing, was caught Thursday with 14.3 grams of cocaine in his underwear during a strip search by U.S. Customs agents at the tunnel connecting Detroit and Probert’s home town of Windsor, Canada.

Probert, who is charged with one count of importing cocaine, faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1-million fine.

Ziegler said Probert would be allowed a formal hearing after criminal proceedings were settled. Probert’s lawyer said such a hearing would be pointless because of Ziegler’s announcement.

Asked if Probert was given a lifetime ban, league spokeswoman Shannon Shay said “for now, it is.”

Probert, considered one of the league’s toughest fighters, has been in alcohol rehabilitation five times and was suspended from the Red Wings twice this season for disciplinary reasons.

Coach Jacques Demers says the league’s action was expected.

“I’m not surprised because the National Hockey League has been very strict on those rules,” he said. “I didn’t expect them to bend. I think it’s a sad situation.”

Only three other players have been expelled from the league, all for gambling, Shay said. Other players caught with drugs have been suspended, but not expelled.

Probert was Detroit’s third-leading scorer last season with 29 goals and 33 assists. He set a team playoff record with 21 points from eight goals and 13 assists. He was one of a group of Red Wings caught drinking after curfew during the Campbell Conference finals at Edmonton. The Red Wings were eliminated from the playoffs by the Oilers the next day.

Probert could not be reached for comment Saturday.