SLAM! Sports
SLAM! Hockey
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
COLUMNS
NHL
The Teams
Full Schedule
Monthly Schedule
Standings
Statistics
Rosters
Injury list
Movement
Trades
Hits Gallery
INTERACTIVE
JUNIOR
MORE HOCKEY
ALSO ON SLAM!
Wednesday, November 17, 1999
Karalahti gets visa after taking drug test
LOS ANGELES (CP) -- A drug test, taken at the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki, helped break a two-month diplomatic logjam and got Jere Karalahti into the United States.Karalahti, named the best defenceman in Europe last season, arrived in Southern California on Tuesday after being held up in his native country because of his problems with heroin.
As many as 10 meetings between government officials and Kings' negotiators were required to get a waiver that allowed him to obtain a visa.
Karalahti, who will join the Kings today, said he will be tested at least twice more this season.
"It's part of my history," he told the Los Angeles Times of problems that included an arrest and rehabilitation. "I can't do anything about that."
Karalahti, who has tested clean the last two years while playing with Finland's national team, has joined the voluntary drug assistance program that is run through an agreement between the league and player's association.
 Bert's back on blades Blue Jays boot game Bombers drop Peterson Felicien rebuilds race | Visit our Polls Archive |