Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson says the arrest last year that led to his 18-game suspension came when he started drinking again after 23 months of sobriety. Watson said he voluntarily entered the NHL’s substance abuse program after his June 16 arrest. According to the incident report, Watson told police he and his girlfriend were arguing and that he pushed her. Watson’s girlfriend, Jenn Guardino, issued a statement in October taking blame for the incident and saying Watson would never hit or abuse her. Watson said that both he and his girlfriend had relapsed in their battles with alcoholism during the month leading up to the incident.

Source: National Post January 11, 2019 20:03 UTC