Report on why Nazarov is making accusations against Panarin; government apparently not involved

The accusations of beating up an 18-year-old girl levelled at New York Rangers' star Artemi Panarin are being dismissed by most. It's telling that no actual victim has come forward and that the only person making the accusations is Panarin's former coach Andrei Nazarov. Nazarov is a staunch supporter of Vladimir Putin and has been described as "mentally unstable" by many. Many have wondered if Nazarov is acting on the instruction of Putin to curry his favour. According to a new report by the New York Post, Nazarov is acting alone. Here's what Larry Brooks had to say:

"A well-positioned source with knowledge of the political dynamic in Russia told The Post that this spurious attack against the 29-year-old native of Korkino was not a direct retaliatory governmental measure against Panarin but rather Nazarov going rogue.

It is believed Nazarov, who has been extremely critical of Panarin's opposition to Putin, was attempting to curry favor with the Russian Ice Hockey Federation and its First Vice President, Roman Rotenberg, whose family has close ties to Putin."
It has also been mentioned several times by reporters in Russia that this may be an attempt to ensure Panarin does not play for the Russian men's hockey team at the 2022 Winter Olympics. The Russians will likely be taking part as "Olympic Athletes of Russia" as they aren't allowed to play under their country's banner or fly the Russian flag at the Olympics due to a previous doping scandal. Many feel having Panarin play for the team would be an embarrassment for Russia and Putin given Panarin's outspoken opposition to the Russian dictator.

Bottom line is, unless an actual victim comes forward, it's very doubtful these accusations will stick. Brooks sums it up very well in his article:

"This is not tantamount to a woman leveling assault charges against a man 10 years after the fact. Those allegations would have to be taken seriously and independently investigated. This is different. There is no complainant. This is not a 'He said, she said.' This instead appears to be a, 'A third-party with an agenda claimed, without proof'."

Related Stories:

NEW YORK RANGERS RELEASE STATEMENT REGARDING PANARIN ALLEGATIONS

NHL, TEAMMATE COMMENTS ON PANARIN SITUATION; REPORTER CHECKS ON DETAILS OF ALLEGATIONS WITH LOCALS

PANARIN'S FORMER KHL TEAMMATES COME TO HIS DEFENCE

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ARTEMI PANARIN ARE EVEN BEING QUESTIONED BY MEDIA IN HIS HOME COUNTRY

MUST READ

2 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

3 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Quinn Hughes Ejected: Suspension May be Coming for the Reigning Norris Winner

4 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Matvei Michkov Stuns With Crazy Quote in Post-Game Interview Following OT Winner

6 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Jeremy Swayman on the Verge of Losing the Starting Role in Boston: His Contract Looks Like a Disaster

9 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

11 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

12 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

14 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

MORE STORIES