Russian ice hockey star says he’s paying for bold stance against Putin – NEWS.com.au

New York Rangers ice hockey star Artemi Panarin is taking a leave of absence from the team in the wake of a politically motivated article from Russia, in which his former coach alleges he beat an 18-year-old girl in 2011.Andrei Nazarov, who coached Panarin at Vityaz and is currently the head coach of the KHL’s Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, has repeatedly criticised Panarin for the forward’s outspoken beliefs regarding Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s regime. Nazarov is a known Putin supporter.
“Artemi…

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