| | DETROIT -- Red Wings defenseman Uwe Krupp, suspended for
failing to turn over his medical records, has filed a grievance against the club over the $12.3 million remaining on his contract.
Krupp was suspended without pay in August for failing to turn
over medical records of back problems that kept him sidelined for
much of last season.
Krupp, 34, whose injury has put his career in
jeopardy, last month agreed to release the records but remains
suspended because the Red Wings found out he may have gone
dogsledding while recovering from a herniated disc injury.
At the same time, Krupp complained the persisting pain kept him
from returning to the lineup.
NHL Players Association spokesman Devin Smith did not
immediately say when Krupp filed the grievance.
Red Wings general manager Ken Holland on Tuesday called the grievance
expected, said the suspension was justified and suggested the
player's future with the team remains clouded.
"I don't know what his medical ability to play hockey will
be," Holland said. "I don't think anyone knows the answer. I
don't know what his future with the Red Wings will be."
Krupp's attorney George Googasian accused the Wings of simply
"trying to figure out a way out of the contract."
According to the standard NHL contract, a player cannot
participate in any organized sport without written consent from his
team. Holland said Krupp did not request or receive permission from
the Red Wings to race sled dogs when he was injured.
Googasian said it was common knowledge in the Wings'
organization that Krupp was racing sled dogs.
Krupp signed a four-year contract as a free agent in June 1998
for $16.4 million. Krupp scored three goals in 22 games last season
before a herniated disc ended his season in December.
Krupp was listed as the driver in five races between Jan. 2 and
Feb. 28, prompting the Red Wings to investigate whether such
competitions violated terms of Krupp's contract or might have
exacerbated his condition.
"He'd been doing it right along," Googasian said. The Wings
"are suggesting this was a surprise to them, which it wasn't."
Grievances filed in the NHL generally are heard by an
arbitrator. No hearing has been scheduled, according to a league
spokesman.
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