Report: Arizona State can kick Coyotes out for poor behaviour

Arizona Coyotes players and coaches pause on the ice during NHL hockey practice at Gila River Arena, Monday, July 13, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo)

Arizona State University can break its lease deal with the Arizona Coyotes if the NHL club or its owner violates certain terms on behaviour, The Athletic reports.

Reporters Sean Shapiro and Katie Strang write the school can get out of the deal if the Coyotes or owner Alex Meruelo become the subjects of scandal or ridicule or fail to act "as a good corporate citizen."

The Athletic has previously reported on workplace issues involving Meruelo.

The club also drafted Mitchell Miller two years ago before the media reported on a previous incident in which he was charged with assault and violating the Ohio Safe Schools Act in February of 2016 after he and another student admitted they bullied a classmate who is Black and has a learning disability. The Coyotes later renounced their rights to Miller.

The Athletic also reports the Coyotes can not change the look of the ice surface, including the Arizona State logo, at centre ice.

The Coyotes have agreed to a three-year deal with an option for a fourth to play at the 5,000-seat arena after their relationship soured with operators at their current arena in Glendale, Ariz.

The arena will easily be the smallest in the NHL.

The club hopes to have a permanent arena in Tempe within four years.

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