NHL players put embattled union chief on paid leave

0 Comments | USA TODAY, March, 2007 | by Kevin Allen

NHL players have placed union executive director Ted Saskin on paid leave while they investigate allegations he was secretly monitoring player e-mails on the union's system.

NHLPA senior director Ken Kim was also placed on paid leave. All 30 player reps voted to take the action on a conference call late Sunday.

"The NHLPA executive board will be retaining outside counsel in order to properly address the allegations made against Mr. Saskin and Mr. Kim," the union said in a release. "The NHLPA executive board will afford Mr. Saskin and Mr. Kim the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them at the appropriate time."

With Saskin on leave, the executive board will oversee the union. NHLPA officials Stu Grimson and Ian Penny will handle...