ESPN analyst and former NHL veteran Matthew Barnaby was released from jail on his own recognizance Saturday morning after his arrest the night before near Buffalo, N.Y., in connection with a "domestic incident" that involved two victims, according to police.
Barnaby, 38, was arrested Friday and spent the night
in jail after being picked up at a home in Getzville, a hamlet in
Amherst where his wife and two children live, police said.
"The past few months have been difficult on our entire family, as my wife and I decided to seperate and divorce," Barnaby said in a statement. "Last evening, there was an unfortunate disagreement between us regarding a family matter. There was never any physical violence or threat of physical violence involved. I would like to ask that everyone respect our privacy during this difficult time, and hope that this will be resolved quickly and amicably."
Barnaby pleaded not guilty to five charges, including criminal
mischief, criminal trespass and harassment in an arraignment hearing at Amherst Town Court, and was released on his
own recognizance. Police refused to give further details.
"Mr. Barnaby, it goes without question that you [must] completely stay away from anyone involved in this matter," Amherst Town Justice Mark G. Farrell told Barnaby, according to the Buffalo News.
According to the newspaper, law-enforcement officials, without getting more specific, said the charges didn't stem from physical contact.
ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said the network is looking into the situation.
Barnaby broke into the league with the Buffalo Sabres and played for seven NHL teams in 15 seasons, retiring in 2007 after a concussion suffered during a fight.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.