Arizona Coyotes reinstate radio analyst Nick Boynton

The Arizona Coyotes announced Friday afternoon that Nick Boynton, the team's radio analyst, was reinstated.

Boynton was suspended after being charged with assault, disorderly conduct, harassment, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and obstruction of government administration in connection with a situation on March 26 at a casino.

On May 8, Boynton plead guilty to disorderly conduct charges and agreed to perform 100 hours of community service as well as continue with alcohol counseling.

"I've met with Nick several times and he knows he made a terrible mistake," said Coyotes co-owner, President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc. "Nick is a good person and everyone deserves a second chance. He recently completed his alcohol counseling program and will now be reinstated as our radio color analyst."

The incident happened at approximately 1:45 a.m. Thursday when police say Boynton became abusive with patrons and security at the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, damaged casino property and "at one point did bite the hand of an officer who was attempting to subdue him," DeGeorge said.

According to a report in The Buffalo News, casino personnel cut Boynton off from the bar due to his intoxicated behavior, police sources said. He went on to yell and swear at workers and called female employees vulgar names, the police sources said.

"When a customer sitting on a chair in one of the game pits asked him to stop yelling and swearing, Boynton went over to the customer and shoved him off the chair onto the floor," one of the police sources told The Buffalo News. "I didn't think someone could get so crazy on alcohol. He was cursing and shouting that he knew how to make money and the casino didn't."

The report went on to say Boynton was taken to hospital once city officials learned he was a diabetic.

The Coyotes placed Boynton on a leave of absence and released a statement that said in part, "A police investigation is underway. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and until the continuing legal process is completed, we will have no further comment."

Boynton, who joined the organization as a radio analyst prior to this season, played in the NHL for 11 seasons and was with the Coyotes 2006-08. He was originally drafted ninth overall in 1997 by the Capitals but reentered the draft in 1999 after failing to secure a contract with Washington. He was then taken 21st overall by the Bruins.

Boynton had his best season points-wise (30) in 2003-04 with Boston where he spent the majority of his career. He won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010 before retiring in 2011.

Sarah McLellan contributed to this report.