Artemi Panarin of the Rangers in the News for All the Wrong Reasons
The specific details that are circulating are quite troubling. The alleged sexual assault took place on a team road trip in December 2023. The victim is a staff member of the Rangers organization. At this time, the main aspect to report is that the Rangers informed the NHL of the alleged assault. Moreover, that is where the troubling parts begins. The Madison Square Garden Sports ownership group of the Rangers had been involved in making settlement payments to the alleged victim. Therefore, it does seem some sort of admission of guilt has been made. However, just what exactly have the consequences been? Other than the monetary one referenced.
At this point, the main thing we can hope is that the victim received and continues to receive the help and support they require. Also, we hope the Rangers and the league are accountable, and make this priority. Not only do these very serious allegations need to be properly verified but then the proper action needs to be taken. It seems even if the Rangers organization did follow through with an investigation, proceed to initiate the settlement payments, and inform the league of their actions, were these decisions made in a timely fashion and to proper authority level?
What Next Steps Can the Team and League Make?
It becomes an issue of timing. That is, whether or not they acted with integrity with respect to a potential victim of sexual assault. Were they acting in good faith to be allowing Panarin to continue his professional career with impunity? You’d have to think if this type of thing occurred in a white collar office environment the consequences would be much faster and detrimental to their future, like job loss or potential criminal charges.
With this news, it seems for a player in Artemi Panarin’s shoes really needs to take a step away. Even if you don’t end up being criminally charged, you are a role model and in a position of influence over people of all ages really. You really need to consider all angles and not stepping away, even if it doesn’t end up permanently, can be irresponsible and inconsiderate to everyone’s situation involved. The next steps need to be immediate and with the utmost of care and consideration.
