Urban Warfare 0 Report post Posted April 12, 2003 A statement from the NHL and NHL Players Association says Fleury has been placed in Stage 3 of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program. It did not elaborate on the reason for the suspension. Stage 4 - the final step - of the NHL and NHLPA program involves suspension for at least one season. As part of the program, Fleury is tested randomly for drugs and alcohol three times a week. Fleury will be eligible to apply for reinstatement following the suspension. Speculation has surrounded Fleury's future with the Blackhawks since the season ended. There has been talk that the team will attempt to buy him out of the final year of his $8.5-million contract, which he signed last summer. "I can't see them writing a check and letting me go on my merry way," Fleury told the Chicago Tribune last week. "I would like the opportunity to earn that contract." Fleury indicated he would remain in Chicago this summer and would hire a personal trainer so that he could be in the best shape possible for the start of next season. Fleury was suspended for the first 25 games of the NHL season after violating terms of his aftercare program. There was also a celebrated incident outside a Columbus strip club in mid-January. While he was not disciplined for his actions, the incident triggered a late season slide for the Blackhawks. The team also placed him on waivers prior to the NHL tradeline, increasing speculation that the team were interested in ending their association with him. Fleury first entered the substance abuse program towards the end of the 2000-2001 season while a member of the New York Rangers. He missed 20 games. Fleury finished with 12 goals and 33 points, his lowest point total since he entered the NHL with the Calgary Flames back in 1988-89. Fleury is a seven-time NHL all-star and was a member of Canada's team that won Olympic gold last February in Salt Lake City. credit-tsn.ca Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
