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Coyotes Broadcaster Charged With Assault In Buffalo Casino Incident

BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Arizona Coyotes radio analyst Nick Boynton has been hit with several charges, including assault and resisting arrest, after authorities say he became belligerent at the casino in Buffalo and bit the hand of an officer trying to subdue the former NHL defensemen.

The Buffalo Police Department said the 36-year-old native of Ontario, Canada, became abusive toward patrons and security personnel at the Buffalo Creek Casino around 1:45 a.m. Thursday. Later Thursday, the Coyotes announced that the team had placed Boynton a leave of absence.

"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," a police source 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."

Officials said Boynton remained in police custody at a Buffalo hospital Thursday night pending his arraignment Friday morning in Buffalo City Court.

It couldn't be determined if he has a lawyer.

Boynton joined the Coyotes' broadcast team in July 2014 after an 11-season NHL career with six teams. He was in Buffalo for Thursday night's game against the Sabres, won by Arizona 4-3 in overtime.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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