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Pavelec apologizes to fans, Jets in statement on drunk driving

By: Ed Tait

Posted: 07/17/2012 4:23 PM | Comments: 0

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Ondrej Pavelec

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- Pavelec convicted of DUI in Czech Republic

Ondrej Pavelec has come clean on his drunk-driving charges and will soon have to face the music from his employers -- the Winnipeg Jets.

The Jets and Pavelec released statements this afternoon after news of his conviction broke Monday via Nova Sport, a Czech Republic news agency. Said Pavelec:

"On May 26, 2012, I was involved in a traffic accident in the Czech Republic. There were no injuries. Police arrived at the scene and I agreed to a blood alcohol test. On June 12, my attorney appeared in court on my behalf and submitted a plea of guilty at the first proceeding. The court issued a six month suspended sentence and suspended my driver’s license for 20 months in the Czech Republic. The case will be dismissed in 12 months provided I have no alcohol related violations during this time. I’m disappointed in myself for this error in judgment. I’m thankful no one was injured as a result of my actions. I want to sincerely apologize to our fans, the Winnipeg Jets organization, and to my teammates for any embarrassment this has caused. I’m truly sorry for letting you all down. "

And then this statement from the Jets, which suggests the club had no indication of his arrest when they signed him to a new five-year contract in June:

"The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club would like to state we have now confirmed the details surrounding Ondrej Pavelec while driving under the influence in Kladno, Czech Republic on May 26, 2012. The organization was deeply disappointed to learn of this information yesterday and is fully aware of the seriousness of this matter. We will determine our course of action once we have the chance to meet and discuss with Ondrej in person, which we expect to do at the earliest possible opportunity."

Ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPEdTait

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