Former Arizona Coyotes Mike Ribeiro Sued

Former Arizona Coyotes Mike Ribeiro is being sued by the families former nanny in Texas. She is suing the Predators center for assaulting her and suing his wife for threatening her in 2012, and is seeking over $1 million in damages

Let’s see — the former Arizona Coyotes center, who was bought out from his contract with the team for his “behavioral issues” while with the team… is in trouble. Not only has his team gone on a six games losing streak, after dominating most of the season with the best record in the NHL, but now they must contend with these charges.

And, I want to make it perfectly clear, these are charges.

Charges like these are difficult to prove, and Ribeiro may not suffer anything more than attorney fees to free himself of any damages. And, then again, as was the case with Slava Voynov of the L.A. Kings, things could go south for Ribeiro.

The issue that the alleged charges are just now coming to the light of day thanks to TMZ (must have been a slow Kardasian day… huh?) makes one wonder, why not bring criminal charges against him when it allegedly occurred in 2012? The victim claimed she was terrified, which was why she did not report it. The issue with Ribeiro’s wife threatening her is something difficult to prove also, unless there is evidence to back it up.

In any case, fans are commenting on the “Nannygate” case and making comments like: “Gee a predator on the Predators”? Things like this get carried away to say the least, when the press smells a story. Can it be a distraction for the Nashville team, who has played exceptional hockey this season? It could.. and the timing right before the playoffs are to begin in a month or so, is also intriguing.

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As a fan when Ribeiro was with the Coyotes, I noticed he looked gaunt, and just didn’t seem healthy. I’m not a doctor, but he had many issues including marital problems, and just didn’t fit in here. The Predators claim they knew of these charges when they were in the process of signing Ribeiro to a one-year contract after the Coyotes got rid of him. And who knows, he could have been having marital problems if his wife caught him doing what is being alleged, and that could have caused some friction to say the least.

As of now it’s up to the lawyers to sort it out. There are people out there who attempt to take advantage of pro athletes, but there are also pro athletes (I’m sure you can fill in the blanks..) who abuse women, and use it as a power tool. If Ribeiro is found guilty, you can pretty much put a wrap on his NHL career, which would be too bad. He’s not a bad hockey player when he stays focused on his job, and doesn’t let outside distractions control the outcome of his life, and career.

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