2/23 | Three former teammates of Panarin told the NY Post that they never heard of any such incident.
2/22 | 8:07PM: Larry Brooks writes, that according to a source, this was Nazarov “going rouge” and not a sponsored attack from the Russian Government. (NY Post)
4:38PM: Larry Brooks quotes Panarin’s agent as saying, “I unequivocally, categorically deny all of these false allegations coming out of Russia about Artemi. This is false.”
Igor Eronko tweets that the players Panarin was with that night in Riga “say the reports are absolutely false.”
11:32AM: The Rangers have released a statement:
“Artemi vehemently and unequivocally denies any and all allegations in this fabricated story. This is clearly an intimidation tactic being used against him for being outspoken on recent political events. Artemi is obviously shaken and concerned and will take some time away from the team. The Rangers fully support Artemi and will work with him to identify the source of these unfounded allegations.”