NHL suspends Los Angeles Kings defenseman indefinitely over domestic violence allegations

By RYAN GORMAN

The NHL has banned a player indefinitely after he was charged with domestic violence.

Defenseman Slava Voynov, in his fourth season with the Los Angeles Kings, was banned by league commissioner Gary Bettman within hours of being arrested.

Circumstances surrounding the 24-year-old's arrest are not known, but the veteran player will not play until the NHL conducts a formal review of the allegations.

"We as a league have more than enough authority and mechanisms to punish, if necessary, in the appropriate case," Bettman said in a statement.

"We've been counseling and educating on domestic violence for more than a decade, I don't remember the exact date," the commissioner continued.

"I'm not sure for us there is any need for any code of conduct other than our players, who overwhelming conduct themselves magnificently off the ice -- we deal with it on a case by case basis."

Voynov's agent declined to comment when reached by ESPN and said only that he was working to obtain more information.

The NHL moved quickly to remove Voynov from team activities – a noticeable departure from how the NFL has handled multiple domestic violence cases this year.

The Russian played in all 82 games last season for the Kings and was a member of their 2012-2013 Stanley Cup championship team.

Voynov has two assists in six games this season.

The champion player will continue to be paid his $787,500 salary while serving out his suspension.

Also on AOL:

Related links:
Amanda Bynes accuses her father of physical and mental abuse then blames 'microchip' in her brain
Police: Mother tried to sew girl's mouth shut, forced her to eat cat litter and beat her