Report: Rangers’ Artemi Panarin takes leave after Russian article

[ASFN Admin]

New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin is taking a leave of absence after a former coach of his in his native Russia alleged that Panarin beat up an 18-year-old woman 10 years ago, the New York Post reported Monday. The allegation appeared in a Russian newspaper and is believed to be politically motivated, per the Post; Panarin, 29, has been outspoken against the regime of Russian president Vladimir Putin. "Artemi vehemently and unequivocally denies any and all allegations in this fabricated story," the Rangers said in a statement.

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