In the early hours of November 18, 2023, 35 year old Boston Bruins left-winger Milan Lucic was arrested at his home in Boston, Massachusetts, on charges of assault and battery on a family member. The alleged victim was his wife, Brittany Lucic.
The incident reportedly occurred early that morning, and Brittany Lucic called 911 to report that her husband had choked her during a heated argument. According to police reports, Brittany Lucic told officers that her husband, Milan Lucic had grabbed her hair, pulled her back, and told her she wasn’t going anywhere during an argument.
When police arrived, they observed that Brittany Lucic had red marks on her neck and upper body. According to court records obtained by NBC Boston and The Boston Globe, Lucic was arrested on the wee hours of Saturday for allegedly attempting to chock his wife, Brittany Lucic, and pulling her by the hair during this despute.
The misunderstanding between the athlete and his wife began when Lucic got upset after struggling to locate his phone once he returned home that evening, according to Court records obtained from the outlets. Brittany reportedly called 911 and claimed that her husband “began yelling at her, demanding his phone back, believing she had hidden his phone,” according to the Globe. Lucic “appeared intoxicated when he answered the door,” according to the police report, and did not provide an explanation,” officials said.
Milan Lucic was subsequently arrested and taken into custody, but was released on bail conditions including a no-abuse order per NBC, required to refrain from alchol pending his trial duration and has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The NHL/NHLPA, founded in 1996, was created to help players and their family in dealing with mental, substance abuse, and other issues. During this program the players have access to counselors in every city with NHL and a confidential phone line. Players will still be paid during the program, although there is no set time for the duration of the players except when the players are being cleared by the coordinators of the program.
Milan Lucic appeared in Boston Municipal Court on November 21, 2023, for his arraignment. He pleaded not guilty to the charges of assault and battery on his wife. The judge ordered Lucic to stay away from Brittany Lucic and to refrain from consuming alcohol. According to CBS Sport, in a statement released that same evening by the bruins the team said : “The Boston Bruins has been in communication with the Lucic family, offering our support and assistance. The organization is supportive of Milan’s decision to enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program”. The team further stressed that.”He remains on an indefinite leave of absense from the team. With respect to both his ongoing rehabilitation and legal preceding, we will have no further comment at this time.”
A pre-trial hearing was scheduled for January 19, 2024. However, the Lucic’s attorney was granted the motion to allow him attend the next hearing by video call and not in person according to the ESPN.
The National Hockey League (NHL) took swift action in response to Lucic’s arrest. On November 18, 2023, the NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Lucic indefinitely pending the outcome of his legal proceedings. The Bruins will however have to cut ties with Lucic for now, depending on how this plays out in court. Fans need to understand that the NHL is not a court of law, but has its own rules and regulations, and when those rules are being violated, they are inevitable consequences that must be faced.
However the Bruins has announced that he would be suspended for the remainder of the 2023-24 NHL season. The suspension was the longest issued by the NHL for domestic violence since 2014.
Milan Lucic’s domestic violence case sent shockwaves through the NHL community. Lucic was a prominent player in the league, and his arrest and subsequent suspension drew widespread media attention. Hated by some, admired by others. Lucic is no longer the player he used to be but still remains a prominent figure in the NHL community. The case also had a significant impact on the Boston Bruins organization. Lucic was a key player for the Bruins, and his absence was a major blow to the team. The Bruins might struggle in his absence, and they will ultimately missed the playoffs.
Milan Lucic’s domestic violence case is a reminder of the importance of speaking out against domestic violence. Brittany Lucic’s decision to call 911 was a courageous act, and it helped to bring Lucic’s actions to light.
The case also highlights the importance of accountability for domestic violence offenders. Lucic’s plea agreement and subsequent suspension by the NHL sent a strong message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.
Milan Lucic’s case is a complex and troubling one. However, it is also an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence and to encourage victims to speak out and seek help
