Evgeny Kuznetsov Addresses Controversial Video With Unidentified White Substance in New Statement

The Washington Capitals' Evgeny Kuznetsov is a forward on the ice, but lately, he's had to be on the defensive after a video surfaced with him in the vicinity of what appeared possibly to be -- but cannot be confirmed as -- cocaine.

While Kuznetsov claims he has not taken illegal drugs at any time, he has issued a statement to fans and his team regarding the situation.

In spite of the statement, the clip below continues to raise eyebrows.

We cannot make overly broad presuppositions here, but judge for yourself if you'd like:

The video opened an investigation by the NHL into Kuznetsov's actions. And in spite of his apparent lapse in judgment, the league office could not find enough evidence to take disciplinary action.

It goes without saying that professional athletes and illegal substances don't provide the best combination, even if said players are not actually the ones consuming them. It cannot be known for sure whether a narcotic physically entered Kuznetsov's body or not, but this situation certainly provided an unnecessary distraction that the Capitals have to deal with as they pivot toward the offseason.