Kings, Richards settle grievance over contract termination
LOS ANGELES (AP) Center Mike Richards and the Los Angeles Kings have settled their dispute over the termination of Richards' contract after his arrest in June.
The NHL Players' Association announced the settlement Friday, making Richards an unrestricted free agent.
Richards was charged with possession of a controlled substance in Manitoba after he was stopped by Canadian border authorities. The Kings terminated his contract later in the summer, and the NHLPA filed a grievance on his behalf.
Richards had five years and $22 million remaining on a lavish 12-year, $69 million deal signed with Philadelphia. The two-time Stanley Cup champion's offensive production declined sharply the past few years.
Terms of the settlement weren't disclosed by the union or the team. The Kings issued a brief statement declaring the settlement ''agreeable to all parties.''
