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Friday, December 31, 1999
Richer suspended by Lightning
TAMPA, Fla. (CP) -- Veteran forward Stephane Richer was suspended without pay by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday for failing to report to the Detroit Vipers of the IHL.Richer was re-assigned to the Vipers on Thursday, two days after walking away from the club and requesting a trade.
Richer was hoping a trade could be worked quickly so he wouldn't have to report to the minors.
"There are teams that are interested, but Stephane is wondering if he wants to wait or whether to report or not," Richer's agent Richard Teoli told the St. Petersburgh Times on Thursday. "If it takes more than two or three days, then he will report. He might want to wait until Sunday."
Teoli said Richer, who said Wednesday he would accept a minor-league assignment, is willing to take the suspension and loss of salary. In 20 games with the Lightning this season, Richer has seven goals and five assists.
Richer left the club Tuesday when he realized he was no longer in the team's plans.
"I knew it was a matter of time that Ludzy (coach Steve Ludzik) would play me less and less," Richer, 33, told the Times on Wednesday. "I've never been in a situation where I was scratched (from a game), so for me it would be difficult to accept that.
"I'm not the kind of guy who can go to the rink just to get my paycheque."
Richer, in the second year of a three-year, $6.6-million contract, also said he did not want to be a distraction to his team.
"The team is struggling and I don't think Ludzy wants guys who are unhappy around the room," he said. "They need guys to get back on the ice to work hard and be happy.
"I have nothing against my team or my teammates."
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