Former NHL player Mike Ribeiro pleads guilty in shocking and unsettling scandal
Photo credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Ribeiro, a former NHL player, entered a guilty plea in court to charges arising from a horrifying incident that occurred a few years ago.
Mike Ribeiro, a former NHL player, entered a guilty plea to an indecent assault charge related to an East Texas case from 2021 involving three women. The incident took place approximately 100 miles east of Dallas, on Lake Cypress in Franklin County. As he tried to do the same to a third woman on a jet ski, Ribeiro was accused of s******* a****** two women on a boat.
In February, he went to trial and was found not guilty of the two counts of s******* a******. However, the jury was unable to decide on the third attempt sexual assault charge.
Just before Ribeiro's second trial was scheduled to start on Monday, he agreed to a plea bargain.
"The young lady in this case was, once again, ready to place herself on the altar of truth for the sake of justice. However, in the end, to hear Mr. Ribeiro finally admit under oath that he violated her without her consent for his own sexual desire meant more than the possibility of hearing a future verdict read by the Judge," 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay said in a statement.
As per the plea deal, he acknowledged inappropriately touching the victim's genitalia and breasts without getting her permission. With his background as a professional athlete, it was quite the turn of events in a case that was closely watched.
She declared her forgiveness for Ribeiro for all the suffering he has caused while standing up for her victim impact statements.
"Forgiveness is not a feeling; it's a choice. Although I have forgiven you, I can only pray the others affected will choose to do the same, not for you, but for themselves," she said in court.
In addition to being ordered to pay a $4,000 fine plus court costs, Ribeiro was granted credit for the day he spent in custody.
After spending six years with the Dallas Stars from 2006 to 2012, as well as some time with the Montreal Canadiens, Coyotes and other teams, Ribeiro's legacy in the NHL has now been tarnished by the outcome of his legal issues and the fallout from his off-ice actions.
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