Former NHL Star Mike Ribeiro Admits Guilt in Disturbing Scandal That Shook Fans

PUBLICATION

Daniel Lucente
October 8, 2024 (10:21)

SHARE THIS STORY

Mike Ribeiro is a former NHL player who has had his fair share of problems in his personal life. He has just pleaded guilty in court to a case involving women.

Former NHL player Mike Ribeiro has pleaded guilty to an indecent assault charge stemming from a 2021 case with three women in East Texas. The incident happened on Lake Cypress in Franklin County about 100 miles east of Dallas. Ribeiro was accused of s******* a****** two women on a boat while he attempted the same against a third woman on a jet ski.

In February, Ribeiro went to trial over the s***** a****** allegations. Though he was acquitted of the two counts of s***** a*****, the jury was hung on the charge pertaining to the attempted assault of the third woman. Thus, a second trial was left hanging over Ribeiro's head as prosecutors pursued the unresolved case.

With a second trial looming, Ribeiro decided to avoid another courtroom drama and pleaded out. Under the plea agreement, he admitted to touching one of the victims without her consent, specifically that he inappropriately touched her breasts and genitals. It was quite a turn of events in a closely followed case given his background as a professional athlete.

In court, the victim gave an impassioned impact statement about the pain Mike Ribeiro had inflicted upon her, saying she did forgive him. She made sure her statement carried across just how excruciatingly painful a path she has taken since this incident occurred. For his part, Ribeiro got credit for serving one day in jail, and he was saddled with a $4,000 fine, plus court costs.

This case has made clear that no one is above the law, not even celebrities. In the NHL, Ribeiro's legacy, which included six years with the Dallas Stars from 2006 to 2012, and some time spent with the Montreal Canadiens and other franchises, has now been tainted by the outcome of his legal problems and consequences associated with his actions off the ice.