Former NHL star Ryan Kesler has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct in a Michigan court, according to multiple reports. The 41-year-old player, who last played for the Anaheim Ducks in 2019, pleaded not guilty to the charges after being arraigned in a Bloomfield Hills courtroom. His attorney stated that Kesler denies the allegations and is prepared to fight the charges in court. The case details were not immediately disclosed, but the criminal complaint alleges that Kesler engaged in sexual contact with a 16-year-old through force or coercion, or had reason to know the victim was physically helpless.
Kesler, who played his NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks and was part of the U.S. Olympic team in 2010, faces misdemeanor charges stemming from an alleged incident on January 1. He played the majority of his NHL career with the Canucks after being drafted 23rd overall in the 2003 NHL Draft. He helped the Canucks reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2011 before being traded to the Ducks in 2014. He eventually retired after being sidelined with injuries.
Kesler’s legal team emphasized that the allegations are false, and they assert that the case will be thoroughly examined in court. The legal process will determine the outcome, with Kesler currently presumed innocent. The details of the alleged incident and the court’s investigation will unfold as the case progresses. The public is urged to respect Kesler’s privacy and trust the legal system as the matter is resolved.