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The NHL has suspended the 27 games of the Nashville Predators following a domestic violence incident this summer, the league announced on Wednesday.
Watson, 26, will miss the entire pre-season and first 27 games of the 2018-19 regular season after pleading no to a charge of assault on the an altercation between Watson and his girlfriend in June. Mr. Watson was arrested on suspicion of assault at a gas station in Franklin, Tennessee, after a police officer was named by a witness. Watson told the police that he had quarreled with his girlfriend and that he had admitted to having thrown him during the altercation.
Watson's girlfriend had red marks on her chest and she said Watson was responsible for it. She also told the police that "it is sometimes beautiful", although the police report does not specify the details of this statement.
Shortly after Watson's plea, the NHL announced that she would launch an investigation into the incident and determine the appropriate disciplinary measures.
On Wednesday, the league issued a statement on their decision.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman imposed the suspension under Rule 18-A of the collective agreement. The Commissioner's decision came as a result of an investigation by the League and an in-person hearing in New York on Friday, Sept. 7. The investigation and hearing took place, according to the CBA, to determine the facts, 2018, incident involving Austin Watson and his domestic partner. The incident eventually led Watson not to contest a charge of assaulting the family on July 24, 2018.
"I determined that Nashville player Austin Watson was engaged in a physical confrontation with his national partner," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "Today's decision, while adapted to the specific facts of this case and to the individuals involved, is necessary and in keeping with the NHA's strong view that it is can not and will not tolerate this kind of behavior and other similar types of behavior. "
The NHL does not have a domestic violence policy and manages each incident on a case-by-case basis. The NHLPA plans to file an action on behalf of Watson.
Watson, who was a first-round pick in 2010, recently signed a $ 3.3 million three-year extension with the Predators before last season. He had 14 goals and 19 points in 2017-2018. He also scored eight points in the playoffs of the Predators, which ended in the hands of the Winnipeg Jets in the second round.
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