Kevin Stevens placed in NHL substance abuse program

  Stevens, 34, was arrested at a Collinsville, Ill., motel on misdemeanor charges of soliciting prostitution and possessing drug paraphernalia.

  Police found several grams of suspected crack cocaine, various drug paraphernalia and about $3,000 in cash in the motel room.

  Stevens gave police a statement admitting he smoked crack cocaine. Additional felony drug charges against him were pending.

  Pamela J. Velia of St. Louis told police Stevens was smoking crack with a glass pipe when she got into a cab with him, according to authorities. She said Stevens gave her $500 in cash and purchased another $500 worth of cocaine from a street dealer in East St. Louis, Ill.

  Velia said she and Stevens didn't have sex because officers arrived too soon.

  The cab driver, Alfred Triplett, of East St. Louis, also was arrested. Velia told police she thought Triplett had a gun and that he wouldn't leave when she asked.

  Stevens will enter the substance abuse and behavioral program administered by the NHL and its players' association.

  "Our thoughts are with Kevin and his family at this time," Rangers president Neil Smith said in a statement. "The New York Rangers' organization will fully support Kevin in every possible way."

  Asked later about the arrest, the team had no further comment.

  Dr. Dave Lewis and Dr. Brian Shaw, the program's doctors, are handling Stevens' care, which includes medical assessment and in-residence treatment.

  Stevens has seen infrequent playing time recently, but was in the lineup against St. Louis on Saturday night. He has three goals and five assists in 38 games this season.

  The three-time All-Star helped Pittsburgh to Stanley Cup titles in 1991 and 1992. He scored 54 goals for Pittsburgh in 1991-92 and had 55 in 1992-93.

  The former Boston College star has 318 goals and 371 assists in 13 seasons with Pittsburgh, Boston, Los Angeles and New York.

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