Panthers' Belfour arrested for scuffling with officer

Florida Panthers goalie Ed Belfour was arrested in Miami at a popular South Beach bar early yesterday after a scuffle with a police officer.

Belfour and teammate Ville Peltonen were at the bar when security guards from the club asked police to make Belfour leave, police said.

Belfour, 41, refused and walked toward the officer "in a fighting stance" and pushed him, a Miami Beach police report said.

Belfour pulled away from the officer trying to arrest him and grabbed his shirt. He then fell forward on the ground, kicking and refusing to place his hands behind his back, the report said.

Police told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that they used a "drive stun" Taser to subdue Belfour. Police said Belfour had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. He was charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer without violence.

Peltonen, 33, was charged with criminal mischief in a separate incident after he broke a metal pole off a fire-rescue truck parked in the area, a police report said.

Belfour was released later yesterday from Miami-Dade County jail on $1,500 bond. Peltonen was released on $500 bond.

"You'd rather get in the media by being in the playoffs," Panthers general manager Jacques Martin, told the Sun-Sentinel. "But at the same time, I want to do anything I can to support my players. Until I speak with them, it's very difficult for me to make any comments."

The team issued a similar statement.

"We have been informed about the incident that occurred last night and we are currently in the process of gathering all the information," the statement said. "We have no further comment at this time."

While playing for the Dallas Stars in 2000, Belfour pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest following a scuffle with a security guard at an upscale hotel. He was sentenced to 2 years' probation and a $3,000 fine.

Peltonen has no history of arrests.

Belfour and Peltonen will become unrestricted free agents on July 1 and it is unclear how the incident will affect their future with the team.

"Until I get all the information and meet with the players, I don't have any answers." Martin told the Sun-Sentinel. "Character is always a big part of decision making on personnel."

* Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic signed a 1-year deal to remain in Denver. Sakic had 36 goals and 64 assists this season, giving him 100 points for the first time since 2000-01. According to the Denver Post, the deal is worth $6.75 million. It will be Sakic's 19th NHL season.

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