Former NHLer Nick Boynton could find himself in some legal trouble after allegedly biting a police officer during an altercation at the Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday night.
Boynton was arrested and charged with assault, criminal mischief and harassment, according to The Buffalo News, who first reported the incident.
“He was abusive to the staff at the casino, and when officers tried to take him into custody, he bit one of them on the finger,” a police source told the outlet.
A police spokesman told the Associated Press Thursday that Boynton remains in custody at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo and that charges “are being finalized.”
Boynton played 605 career NHL games split between the Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers. The 36-year-old retired in 2011 and had been doing colour commentary for the Arizona Coyotes this season. He was scheduled to call Thursday’s Coyotes-Sabres game, but that’s not happening anymore.
The team issued the following statement:
“Early this morning, Coyotes radio colour analyst Nick Boynton was involved in a situation at a Buffalo casino. A police investigation is underway. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and until the continuing legal process is completed, we will have no further comment. Mr. Boynton has been placed on a leave of absence.”
