PUNISHMENT

Nashville Predators’ Austin Watson Suspended for 27 Games After Domestic Violence Incident

The Nashville Predators player pleaded no contest to a domestic assault charge.

The National Hockey League has suspended Nashville Predators player Austin Watson for 27 games on Wednesday after he pleaded no contest to a domestic assault allegation, CBS Sports reports. “I have determined that Nashville Player Austin Watson engaged in a physical confrontation with his domestic partner,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Today’s ruling, while tailored to the specific facts of this case and the individuals involved, is necessary and consistent with the NHL’s strongly held view that it cannot and will not tolerate this and similar types of conduct.” Watson was arrested following an altercation with his girlfriend in June on “suspicion of assault” after a witness flagged a police officer. Watson then told police he had an argument with his girlfriend and admitted to “pushing” her. The girlfriend also had “red marks on her chest” that she told police Waston caused. She told officials that Watson gets “handsy” sometimes, but the police report did not elaborate further. The National Hockey League Players’ Association said it would file an appeal on Watson’s behalf. The suspension comes after Ohio State University assistant football coach Zach Smith was fired from the team after various domestic violence incidents.