Ryan Malone appeared in court today to plead no contest to a driving under the influence charge. Four months ago, the former Tampa Bay Lighting forward, was arrested with a blood alcohol level of 0.112, surpassing Florida’s legal limit of 0.08, and for possession of 1.3 grams of cocaine.
Malone was pulled over on April 11th by an officer in Tampa after weaving in and out of traffic in his 2014 Chevrolet Suburban. After being pulled over Malone refused to perform a field sobriety test. According to the police report, while the officer was searching Malone, cocaine was found in his back right pocket. Malone expressed that he was “baffled” by the appearance of the cocaine.
Concerning the cocaine charge, Malone agreed to a pre-trial diversion program and upon the successful completion, the drug possession charges could be dropped, giving Malone a clean record. In addition to the diversion program, Malone must also complete other requirements relating to the DUI charge:
From The Tampa Bay Times :
By accepting the pretrial intervention, his felony charge of cocaine possession will be dismissed if he successfully completes the program’s requirements – which are similar to those already outlined by the NHL.
As part of his DUI punishment, Malone will have his driver’s license suspended for six months and must complete 50 hours of community service.
In early June, the Lightning used a compliance buyout on the 34-year-old forward, who still remains an unrestricted free agent. Multiple teams have expressed an interest in the 10 year NHL veteran, but no solid deals have surfaced at this point.
