Police officials in Michigan have chosen not to provide comments on the legal matter concerning former NHL player Ryan Kesler, who is facing two charges of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Court documents reveal that Kesler, aged 41, was virtually arraigned on Monday at Bloomfield Hills District Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to incidents on January 1 in Orchard Lake, Michigan. The alleged offenses were reported to law enforcement the following day.
A bond of $50,000 US was established with a requirement for a 10% deposit. The Orchard Lake Police Department announced in a press release on Tuesday that Kesler was processed and posted bail, alongside releasing his booking photograph without additional specifics. The department rejected a Freedom of Information Act request for the incident report, citing an ongoing investigation that could be jeopardized by releasing the records.
Robert J. Morad, the legal representative for Kesler, issued a statement asserting Kesler’s firm denial of the accusations, asserting his complete innocence. Morad emphasized the falsity of the allegations and expressed readiness to vigorously contest them in court. The legal counsel urged respect for Kesler’s privacy and the legal process, emphasizing the presumption of innocence and confidence in full exoneration once all facts are presented.
Kesler is scheduled to attend a probable-cause conference on November 6 and a preliminary examination on November 13. Recently, he had been active as a youth hockey coach with the Little Caesars AAA program in Detroit. Following the allegations, the association confirmed his removal from the coaching position pending the resolution of the legal proceedings.
A native of Livonia, Michigan, Kesler notably played for the Vancouver Canucks from 2003 to 2014 before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks, where he concluded his professional career in 2019. He also represented the United States in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics and achieved the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2011 for outstanding defensive play. Additionally, Kesler contributed to Vancouver’s journey to the Stanley Cup final in the same year.
