Avery to sit out season after practice run-in
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sean Avery did not accompany the Los Angeles Kings for their game Thursday night against the Phoenix Coyotes and the team said the volatile forward will sit out the rest of the season.
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Avery had an argument with assistant coach Mark Hardy during practice Wednesday and later met with Kings general manager Dave Taylor and interim coach John Torchetti.
"We moved on without him at this point," Kings spokesman Mike Altieri said of Avery. "He was informed by our coach and general manager yesterday that his conduct has been unacceptable and we're moving forward without him."
The Kings, who were eliminated from the playoffs Thursday, have two games remaining this season.
The 26-year-old Avery has 15 goals, 24 assists and 257 penalty minutes this season as the Kings enforcer but has received more notoriety for his off-ice opinions.
In September, Avery made derogatory comments about French-Canadian players after then-Coyote defenseman Denis Gauthier hit the Kings' Jeremy Roenick in an exhibition game. Avery issued an apology after receiving a reprimand from the NHL.
During a game against Edmonton in October, the Oilers' Georges Laraque, who is black, accused Avery of using a racial slur. Avery denied the allegation.
Last week, Avery unleashed an obscenity-laced tirade at Brian Hayward, the television commentator for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press
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