St. Louis Blue Arrested

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

TSN.ca
4/16/2004

KDSK NewsChannel 5 in St. Louis reports that Blues forward Mike Danton was arrested by the FBI and has been charged in connection with a murder for hire plot.

Danton, 23, was arrested Thursday night in San Jose, where the Blues played their final playoff game of the postseason.

The FBI said Danton claimed he was in fear of his life and he and a friend tried to hire someone to murder the person who was allegedly threatening Danton.

They contacted a third party, who then contacted the FBI.

Blues president Mark Sauer told the channel, "It would be inappropriate for the Blues to comment on this matter at this time. There is nothing we can say except to refer this to the proper law enforcement officials. This matter is now in the hands of the judicial system."

Danton is charged with using interstate commerce with the intent that a murder be committed.

More to follow.

[tommy]

Wow. Don't even know what to say. This will certainly be interesting (for lack of a better word) to see what the result of this is, even if right now it is preliminary info. :eek: :eek2:

[Stormbringer]

To put my thoughts concisely: Creepy. Absolutely creepy. :eek2: :crazy:

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

They just put up the full story. Geez. I really dunno what to say either. Scary, scary world.
TSN.ca
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (Ticker) - St. Louis Blues centre Mike Danton was arrested Friday morning and charged with participating in an alleged murder-for-hire plot.

In a statement, the FBI said Danton was apprehended in San Jose, where the Blues were eliminated Thursday night from the Western Conference quarterfinals by the Sharks.

Danton's arrest came one day after an alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer of Florissant, Missouri, was taken into custody in Brentwood, Missouri.

According to U.S. Attorney Ronald J. Tenpas of the Central District of Illinois, Danton and Wolfmeyer conspired to hire someone to kill an acquaintance with whom Danton quarreled Tuesday night.

The criminal complaint said the argument involved "promiscuity and use of alcohol" by Danton, who "begged the acquaintance not to go to (Blues general manager Larry Pleau) ... and ruin his career."

Wolfmeyer allegedly assisted Danton in finding a prospective killer. That unidentified person cooperated with the FBI, whose agents taped incriminating telephone calls, authorities said. No one was injured.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.

Danton, 23, had seven goals, five assists and a team-leading 141 penalty minutes in 68 games in his first full NHL season.

A native of Brampton, Ontario, Danton was suspended during the 2001-02 season by New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello for failing to report to the minor leagues. Danton sat out most of the previous season following a disagreement over a medical diagnosis.

A 2000 fifth-round draft pick, Danton legally changed his name from Mike Jefferson.

[CaniacPanther]

Here's the latest from ESPN:

Blues center Mike Danton has been arrested by FBI agents on murder-for-hire charges, according to two media outlets in St. Louis.

Danton was arrested in San Jose, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, after the Blues were eliminated from the playoffs Thursday night by the Sharks.

Danton, 23, and Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, are accused of trying to hire a man to kill an acquaintance in a criminal complaint filed in federal court in East St. Louis, the paper reported. KDSK NewsChannel 5 in St. Louis reports that the official charge is using interstate commerce with the intent that a murder be committed.

The complaint says that Danton quarreled with the intended victim about Danton's "promiscuity and use of alcohol," and that Danton "begged the acquaintance not to go to the general manager of the St. Louis Blues hockey organization and ruin his career," the paper reported.

According to the complaint, the intended victim called Danton on Friday and the FBI recorded the call. During the call, "Danton broke down and sobbed. Danton explained that he felt backed into a corner and also felt that the acquaintance was going to leave him," the Post-Dispatch reported.

Wolfmeyer also was arrested Thursday night, the paper reported. Nobody was injured.

:eek2:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

felt that the acquaintance was going to leave him

So, what, it's his girlfriend? And is promiscuity and use of alcohol (unless it's reallyout of control which, IMO, would be abuse of alcohol, not use) somthing that generally ruins careers? This is so strange.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Well this may or may not be true, but on the Intermission Report on ESPN, they just said it may have been a family member, not an aquaintance. :eek2:

[drwFischerFan2]

This is really bizarre. I have heard that it might have been his father that he tried to have killed.

[Turbulence]

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: Weeeird.

I don't see how you get that desperate. It's a sad case for all involved, I suppose.

[StormShaman]

And from Yahoo:



St. Louis Hockey Player Charged in Plot
Sat Apr 17, 1:29 AM ET

By BETSY TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer

ST. LOUIS - A professional hockey player was charged Friday in an alleged plot to kill an acquaintance he feared could ruin his career, the FBI said St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton was arrested at the airport in San Jose, Calif., where the Blues were knocked out of the National Hockey League playoffs on Thursday.

According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Illinois, Danton and a woman tried to hire someone to kill an acquaintance of the hockey player.

Danton, 23, and the woman, Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, face federal charges of conspiring and using a telephone across state lines to set up a murder. It could not be determined where they were being held Friday night.

A spokesman for the hockey team, Frank Buonomo, declined to comment Friday, saying in a statement, "The matter is in the hands of law enforcement officials and the judicial system."

The Blues could not immediately put The Associated Press in touch with an agent or lawyer for Danton.

According to the criminal complaint, Danton told Wolfmeyer that a hitman from Canada was coming to kill him and asked her if she knew someone who would kill the person for $10,000.

She passed his call to another man, described as a "cooperating witness," who spoke with Danton beginning Wednesday.

The FBI said Danton hatched a plot where the man could kill the "hitman" at Danton's apartment and make it look like two burglars had broken in, one being killed and the other making off with $3,000 Danton had in a safe.

The complaint alleges that Danton actually was trying to kill a male acquaintance whom he had fought with Tuesday over Danton's "promiscuity and use of alcohol." The complaint said Danton feared the acquaintance, who is not named, would talk to St. Louis Blues management and ruin Danton's career.

In a telephone call recorded by authorities, the acquaintance asked why Danton wanted to kill him. According to the complaint, Danton broke down and sobbed, and explained that he ordered the killing because he "felt the acquaintance was going to leave him."

Authorities said Friday they have no reason to believe that the acquaintance or anyone else had been planning to kill Danton. "We couldn't confirm that to be accurate," said Marshall Stone, supervisory FBI special agent in Springfield, Ill.

Danton, formerly known as Mike Jefferson, was suspended twice by the New Jersey Devils, who eventually traded him to St. Louis last June.

St. Louis Player Charged In Plot (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=755&e=4&u=/ap/20040417/ap_on_re_us/hockey_player_charged)

That poor sod. He's got some major issues that he needs to deal with.

[talkingcanes]

He really does appear to have lots of problems, but his choices are now going to lead him to a place where he won't get help. from CNN:


Canadian NHL Player Arrested on Hit Man Charge
By Adam Tanner

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - FBI agents arrested professional hockey player Michael Danton on Friday on charges he tried to hire someone to murder a man who had apparently been his lover, according to court documents.

A criminal complaint filed in U.S. district court for Southern Illinois said Danton -- who was arrested hours after a playoff game in San Jose, California -- told a friend an invented story about a fellow-Canadian who wanted to kill him over a debt.

He asked the friend, Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, if she knew anyone willing to kill the man for $10,000. Wolfmeyer told an unnamed witness who then revealed the plot to the FBI.

"When the thing goes down, I don't want to know anything about it," the complaint quoted Danton, a National Hockey League player with the St. Louis Blues, as telling the witness by telephone. The FBI said the call was recorded.

"I'm pretty much begging," Danton said. "I wouldn't resort to this if it wasn't a matter of life and death."

"The only way that I'm going to be able to sleep tonight is knowing that the guy trying to kill me is done himself."

The allegation said Danton wanted the intended victim murdered at his St. Louis apartment in a way that made it look as though he was a thief who had broken in.

The target of the plot, when interviewed by the FBI, said "that he and Danton had a severe argument on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 concerning Danton's promiscuity and use of alcohol."

"The acquaintance threatened to leave Danton," the complaint continued.

After the FBI had foiled the plot, the man Danton wanted dead allowed investigators to record a telephone conversation with Danton, according to the allegation.

"The acquaintance called Danton and asked Danton why he wanted to have him killed. Danton broke down and sobbed," it said.

"Danton explained that he felt backed into a corner and felt that the acquaintance was going to leave him. Danton did not want to allow the acquaintance to leave him, and therefore decided to have him murdered."

Wolfmeyer, a Missouri resident, was arrested on Thursday and provided a written confession on Friday, the complaint said.

Danton had played in San Jose on Thursday when the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. A spokesperson for the team did not return a call for comment.

[tommy]

This has some info that I didn't hear last night.

ESPN.com news services

ST. LOUIS -- A center for the St. Louis Blues was charged in San Jose, Calif., on Friday in an alleged plot to kill an acquaintance he feared could ruin his career, the FBI said.

Mike Danton, 23, was arrested at Norman Mineta International Airport around 8 a.m. -- hours after his team was knocked out of the NHL playoffs Thursday night by the San Jose Sharks.

According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Illinois, Danton told a female friend that a hitman from Canada was coming to kill him and asked the woman if she knew someone who would kill the person for $10,000.

She passed his call to another man, described as a "cooperating witness," who spoke with Danton beginning Wednesday.

Danton and the woman, Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, face federal charges of conspiring and using a telephone across state lines to set up a murder. It could not be determined where they were being held Friday night.

A spokesman for the hockey team, Frank Buonomo, declined comment Friday, saying in a statement, "The matter is in the hands of law enforcement officials and the judicial system."

The Blues could not immediately put The Associated Press in touch with an agent or lawyer for Danton.

The FBI witness and Danton spoke again on Thursday, and Danton allegedly hatched a plot where the witness could kill the "hitman" at Danton's apartment and make it look like two burglars had broken in, one being killed and the other making off with $3,000 Danton had in a safe.

The complaint alleges that Danton actually was trying to kill a male acquaintance after an argument Tuesday in which the two fought over Danton's "promiscuity and use of alcohol." The complaint said Danton feared the acquaintance, who is not named, would talk to St. Louis Blues management and ruin Danton's career.

In a telephone call recorded by authorities, the acquaintance asked why Danton wanted to kill him. According to the complaint, Danton broke down and sobbed, and explained that he ordered the killing because he "felt the acquaintance was going to leave him."

Authorities said Friday they have no reason to believe that the acquaintance or anyone else had been planning to kill Danton. "We couldn't confirm that to be accurate," said Marshall Stone, supervisory FBI special agent in Springfield, Ill.

Danton, formerly known as Mike Jefferson, was suspended twice by the New Jersey Devils, who eventually traded him to St. Louis in June. He had seven goals, 12 points and 141 penalty minutes in 68 games this season with the Blues.

The name change came during the 2002 offseason after a "buildup of incidents" and difficulties with his family, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported in September. His new surname came from one of his students at hockey school.

The Devils suspended him in February 2003 for refusing to report to the AHL's Albany River Rats after he complained about playing time and was sent to the minors.

"What happened with New Jersey is behind me, completely," Danton told the paper last fall. "Just getting this fresh start -- I'll do anything I can to help."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[Turbulence]

You'd have to think that a rational human being would look at other options...maybe call the police, see what they think. That's pretty rediculous.

[drwFischerFan2]

Here's a bizarre article from 1999, which I guess kind of explains how he became so troubled.

http://www.sunmedia.ca/DunlopAwards/frost.html

[Alicia]

I know I was like this http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/4/jawdown.gif when they told about this during the game last night. Poor kid does have some serious issues. :crazy:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

That's what I figured it was when they kept calling the guy "an acquaintance." Well, it's a real shame that what looks like the first gay player (that we know about) in the NHL had to come out like this. :sad: And it's a shame for anyone to have to come out like this. Poor guy. :cry:

[Alicia]

That's what I figured it was when they kept calling the guy "an acquaintance." Well, it's a real shame that what looks like the first gay player (that we know about) in the NHL had to come out like this. :sad: And it's a shame for anyone to have to come out like this. Poor guy. :cry:

I thought the same thing, but the "family member (father)" thing sounds plausible too. Although why his father would argue with him about promiscuity raises a whole 'nother set of questions. :crazy:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I was going on the article talkingcanes posted above that actually calls the guy his "lover." I just figure they aren't going to keep calling his father an "acquaintance" and lover is what I was thinking the whole time.

That all makes sense to me...I don't get how his father could ruin his career over alcohol and promiscuity (but a homosexual relationship might), why he'd be afraid his father would "leave him" (or why he'd care after he dropped his parents' name) or, like I said, the "acquaintance" language.

[talkingcanes]

I don't know if no one ever offered him help, or if he refused any help, but he has had a very troubled life for someone so young. It's just a shame no one intervened or that he wouldn't allow intervention whatever the case may be. Good for Weight for making those comments, but sadly, I think that would put Weight in the minority as far as public support goes had Danton revealed his homosexuality, if that turns out to be the secret he was concerned would be revealed and ruin his career. After all, he wouldn't be the first alcoholic in the NHL to seek help. And I'll just go out on a limb and say that he's not the first promiscuous NHL player.


Blues react to Danton arrest

Associated Press
4/17/2004

ST. LOUIS (AP-CP) - A day after St. Louis forward Mike Danton was charged in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme, his Blues teammates were still having trouble fathoming the news.

``It's beyond shock,'' forward Doug Weight said Saturday as players cleaned out their lockers. ``I don't know what to say.''

According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Illinois, Danton, 23, and 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer tried to hire someone to kill an acquaintance of the hockey player. Danton was arrested at the airport in San Jose, Calif., after the Blues were knocked out of the playoffs by a loss to San Jose on Thursday.

``It's tough,'' centre Keith Tkachuk told reporters. ``I don't know what's going on. You guys probably know more than I do.''

Danton and Wolfmeyer face federal charges of conspiring and using a telephone across state lines to set up a murder. According to the criminal complaint, Danton told Wolfmeyer that a hit man from Canada was coming to kill him and asked her if she knew someone who would kill the person for $10,000.

The complaint alleges that Danton was trying to kill a male acquaintance whom he had fought with Tuesday over Danton's ``promiscuity and use of alcohol.''

The complaint said Danton feared the acquaintance, who is not named, would talk to St. Louis Blues management and ruin Danton's career.

Weight said what Danton does in his personal life is his own business and shouldn't have been a problem for the team.

``Let's preface it by saying who knows what the situation is,'' Weight said. ``There's rumours of what went on and who exactly was involved with this so-called thing.

``Let's not jump to conclusions, but you know what, hypothetically I think it would be fine. I'd like to think people are bigger than that and look into the person as a person and as a teammate.''

Danton, formerly known as Mike Jefferson, was suspended twice for disciplinary reasons by the New Jersey Devils last season before being traded to St. Louis last June. He had seven goals, 12 points and 141 penalty minutes in 68 games this season - all career highs - with the Blues.

In one game, although he was at a decided disadvantage, he tried to goad Vancouver tough guy Todd Bertuzzi into a fight.

``I don't know a tougher guy than him, I don't know a guy that goes in the corner and gets killed and that will drop his gloves with a guy who's 40 pounds heavier in a flash,'' Weight said. ``He's tough as nails.''

Some teammates were hoping the arrest was just a misunderstanding.

``He brings a great presence to the dressing room, so it's just real tough to see him go through this,'' defenceman Bryce Salvador said. ``I really do feel like he's family. It's unfortunate, because he's a great guy.''

Others wanted him to know he was in their thoughts.
``We're worried about his life right now and what he's going through,'' Weight said. ``It's a scary thought.
``I feel for him and I'm praying for him.''

Danton's arrest sent shock waves around the league.

``I was very shocked,'' Ottawa Senators forward Todd White said Saturday. ``I just think it's something you don't expect to see in society let alone in sports.''

Senators forward Mike Fisher played against Danton in during their junior careers in the Ontario Hockey League.

``It's crazy,'' Fisher said. ``I'm shocked. You don't see this kind of thing too much in our sport. It really is too bad.''

[Alicia]

I was going on the article talkingcanes posted above that actually calls the guy his "lover." I just figure they aren't going to keep calling his father an "acquaintance" and lover is what I was thinking the whole time.

That all makes sense to me...I don't get how his father could ruin his career over alcohol and promiscuity (but a homosexual relationship might), why he'd be afraid his father would "leave him" (or why he'd care after he dropped his parents' name) or, like I said, the "acquaintance" language.

I read so many articles that said the same thing that I must've skipped that part. So, lover was what came to my mind as well with the constant use of the word acquaintance. Sorry I misunderstood...amazingly, I do again agree with you! ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

If I hadn't been looking for the word I probably would have missed it too, lol. That one article is the only time I've seen the word "lover" used so they could be totally off.....but yeah, it really does make sense.

I assume most of those comments from his teammates were probably made after they've considered this same thing we're considering.....and none of them are acting like a**es about it. They seem to be saying "hey, we could have dealt with that" and I do believe that the NHL, maybe more than any other major sport, might be able to deal well with openly gay players (if the fans can :-/ ). I love hockey players. :cry:

[Alicia]

If their teammates can deal with it, I'm with them. What someone does in the privacy of their own home is their business; as long as it doesn't affect me personally, I don't have a problem. It's just a shame he didn't think there was any other way to deal with this situation. :sad:

[StormShaman]

That's what I figured it was when they kept calling the guy "an acquaintance." Well, it's a real shame that what looks like the first gay player (that we know about) in the NHL had to come out like this. :sad: And it's a shame for anyone to have to come out like this. Poor guy. :cry:

Tell me about it. I've been battling with the 'phobes on a couple other boards--as if his sexuality is the reason why he's got personal issues. :roll:

But good for his teammates for being supportive like that. That does make me feel better. :)

[Turbulence]

Yes, if this were another sport, the issue of a 'lover' could explode into something worthlessly scandalous. It's good that the team is open about their ablility to accept things of this nature.

The N&O said today that he was estranged from his family...and that up until 2 years ago, he was known as Mike Jefferson. I think he has more problems than many of these articles are letting on.

[nccanes]

I think it's way too soon to believe that Hockey can handle a gay player w/o a problem. I hope that's the case, but so far it sounds like Doug Weight is reasonable, I hope he's indicative of how things will progress if that's even a portion of the truth.

David Frost (the guy profiled in Fischer's posted artcile) is still Danton's agent, so if the guy was a manipulative/brain-washing figure in Danton's life, he's still a central figure. I find it interesting that while Danton's attorney is saying little to nothing until he has a chance to sit down with him after his extradition, Frost is spouting off. I guess that's what agents do.

St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton is suffering from paranoia and battling "demons" in his head, his agent and lawyer said yesterday. The comments followed the player's arrest in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme.

"Mike is suffering from some paranoia and some delusional thoughts regarding his past," David Frost, Danton's agent, said from California. "In his mind, Mike honestly thought he was in danger."

The FBI's allegation is Danton, 23, from Brampton, and Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, hired a "hitman" to kill an acquaintance of the player who shared an apartment with him.

The FBI complaint alleges Danton fought with the man Tuesday over Danton's "promiscuity and use of alcohol."

Frost said Danton lived alone and there is no gay lover.

Danton allegedly told Wolfmeyer a hitman from Canada was coming to kill him and asked if she knew someone who could kill him.

"There's a very significant story behind the story, which will be told," said Michael Edelson, Danton's Ottawa lawyer.

Edelson and Frost talked to Danton on Friday from the San Jose holding cell where the FBI are keeping him until he's transferred to St. Louis tomorrow or Tuesday.

"He said, Dave, please, make sure you get me some help," Frost said. They hope to have a forensic psychiatrist look at him when he returns to St. Louis. Danton is said to be suicidal.

Edelson said Danton had arranged to turn himself in to St. Louis FBI to face the charges when the Blues returned Friday after being eliminated from the playoffs in San Jose.

Instead, the FBI arrested Danton in line at the San Jose airport.

This is just the latest twist in a strange career for Danton who is estranged from his family, and changed his last name to distance himself from them.

Danton's father was watching the Leafs on Hockey Night in Canada Friday night in his Brampton home when his son's face popped up on the TV over host Ron MacLean's shoulder.

Steve Jefferson, Danton's dad, said this came out of the blue, but he would not make any further comment yesterday.

Danton could face 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if he is found guilty.

[talkingcanes]

I guess I'm just not as positive hockey would be as accepting of a gay player as some of you are. I think it's much easier to say it wouldn't matter when he's not in the locker room and probably won't be next season if ever again. I'm sure Weight is sincere in his comments, but if it were actually a reality, then I'm not sure it would be so easy. And I think there are a large group of fans in every city who would be brutal. This story says it wasn't a sexual relationship. Maybe one day Danton will get his demons off his back and have a good life. He is very young.

Motive is mystery in Danton case
By Derrick Goold
Of the Post-Dispatch
04/18/2004

While questions centered on the motive of the alleged murder-for-hire plot for which hockey player Mike Danton was arrested Friday, the Blues forward agreed to extradition, and the process began to move him from a California jail to the St. Louis area.

His lawyer and agent have not been told when he will arrive.

"I don't have any comment really at this time, because I have not had a chance to communicate with (Danton)," said Robert Haar, a St. Louis-based attorney representing Danton, 23. "He should soon be in transit from California, and I then will have a chance to talk with him about the allegations."

Danton, a forward who just completed his first season with the Blues, was arrested Friday morning in San Jose, Calif. A criminal complaint filed by the FBI in U.S. District Court at East St. Louis alleges that Danton and Katie Koester Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, conspired to hire a hit man to murder a male "acquaintance" of Danton's last week.

Danton, who was being held at the Santa Clara County Jail, has a turbulent personal background and has been estranged from his family, going so far as to change his name from Mike Jefferson to Mike Danton in the summer of 2002.

His agent, Dave Frost, said Saturday that Danton had approached him about getting help sorting through his emotional troubles.

"He asked me a week ago if I could help set up counseling for him and to help him with the fears he had been having," Frost said. "He had things he wanted to get off his chest and he needed help to do so. We were setting something up for him for the end of the season."

When Danton arrives in the St. Louis area, a hearing with a U.S. District Court magistrate will be held to advise him of the complaint.

The description of the alleged target in the affidavit is vague, which prompted speculation as to the nature of Danton's relationship with him.

The complaint states that Danton broke into tears when confronted by the acquaintance about the alleged plot. It also states that Danton "felt backed into a corner and . . . felt that the acquaintance was going to leave him."

Multiple sources with knowledge of the investigation or who are close to Danton said the relationship was not intimate. One said there isn't any indication the relationship has a "sexual element to it at all."

The FBI could not be reached Saturday for information on the case.

According to authorities, a witness cooperating with the FBI - the person identified in the complaint as being hired by Danton for the murder - went to Danton's Brentwood residence on Thursday. There he was confronted by the acquaintance. The acquiantance, who later worked with the FBI to tape record a phone conversation with Danton, told the witness he was Danton's father, according to the complaint. Sources said that the man at Danton's residence was not his father, with whom they said Danton has not spoken in years.

A woman who was at the family's home in Brampton, Ontario, told a reporter from The Toronto Star that the family had contacted the NHL Players' Association in hopes it would help Danton. She also told the paper that she believes the NHL has a doctor who will meet with Danton soon.

"We're just lost," the woman, who did not identify herself, told the paper. "We're totally tired and exhausted. I don't know where to go."

Wolfmeyer was arrested in conjunction with the plot, authorities said, and is identified in the affidavit as the woman Danton contacted to find a hit man. She was arrested Thursday night after taking the intended killer to Danton's apartment, authorities said.

Wolfmeyer's family declined to comment Saturday. They referred questions to the family's attorney, who could not be reached.

At Savvis Center on Saturday, Danton's teammates held end-of-season meetings with coaches and management. They found out about Danton's arrest on Friday morning when they boarded the bus to the team's charter flight home.

Agents from the San Francisco FBI office and San Jose police officers went to Danton's hotel room but did not find him there. The arrest was made at the San Jose airport.

"Obviously we're all pretty stunned by this," said Ryan Johnson, Danton's usual road roommate. He did not make the trip to San Jose for Thursday's Game 5 because of injury.

"We don't know everything. We're definitely behind him and just want to be there to support him," Johnson said. "Whatever happens we're there to help in anyway he needs."

Doug Weight said: "It's beyond shock, really. . . . It's sad for him. He's had a hard go. We're thinking about him and we're all praying for him."

Heather Ratcliffe of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

[nccanes]

I agree that the most important thing is for Danton to get his life in order. That just got a lot tougher.

I do have to wonder (in a morbid curiousity kind of way) that what kind of "hitman for hire" decides to call the police and give them the tip that he'd been offered a job? And what kind of 19 year old girl has connections of that kind? It's all very odd.

[talkingcanes]

I agree that the most important thing is for Danton to get his life in order. That just got a lot tougher.

I do have to wonder (in a morbid curiousity kind of way) that what kind of "hitman for hire" decides to call the police and give them the tip that he'd been offered a job? And what kind of 19 year old girl has connections of that kind? It's all very odd.

I am a big fan of shows like Forensics Files and it is amazing how many people they catch in these murder for hire plots because the hitman calls the police. I think it's usually because the "hitman" is just some neighborhood lowlife that someone thinks will actually kill someone.

In my previous job, I worked with some interesting types of people and one day I made some remark about a co-worker not doing something which caused me a lot more work and as I do, I said, "I'm going to have to kill her". A little later while I was working with one of the children, the mother said "if you were serious about what you said, I have a cousin who would do it for you." :eek2: I very quickly told her I was kidding, but it makes this story really easy for me to believe.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I think it's way too soon to believe that Hockey can handle a gay player w/o a problem. I hope that's the case, but so far it sounds like Doug Weight is reasonable, I hope he's indicative of how things will progress if that's even a portion of the truth.


I'm saying that based on my observations of the way hockey players interact and their personalties over quite a period of time, not based on one quote from Doug Weight. It's something I've thought about and that's been discussed in my household a lot in the past. I agree, that it's too soon to decide that based on what has been said in this case. I already happened to believe that hockey would be better able to deal with it than the other major sports. But, saying it would be better able to deal with an openly gay player than football, basketball and baseball isn't really saying too, too much to begin with. But, I still do believe that hockey players would be more accepting that many others. I guess we'll see how that pans out in the future.

I also agree that fans everywhere will be absolutely brutal. I'm speaking strictly about how I believe the players will react. Maybe I'm overestimating them......we'll see.

[tommy]

I am a big fan of shows like Forensics Files and it is amazing how many people they catch in these murder for hire plots because the hitman calls the police. I think it's usually because the "hitman" is just some neighborhood lowlife that someone thinks will actually kill someone.

*trying to decide which is more sleazy and disgusting*


In my previous job, I worked with some interesting types of people and one day I made some remark about a co-worker not doing something which caused me a lot more work and as I do, I said, "I'm going to have to kill her". A little later while I was working with one of the children, the mother said "if you were serious about what you said, I have a cousin who would do it for you." :eek2: I very quickly told her I was kidding, but it makes this story really easy for me to believe.

Wow. Just wow.


Danton is 23 though, he has a lot of his life ahead of him, and I'm pulling for him to turn this around.

I also, though, am uncertain how hockey would look at a gay player. As a fan, I have no problem, but next season in the locker room might be a different story.

[RIO]

And what kind of 19 year old girl has connections of that kind?

Back in 8th grade, I ran with a pack of girls who partied all night with ex-cons, woke up drunk in parking lots, and had flings with parolees named Red Bone who could make people "disappear". It's scary what people can get into. :crazy: :eek2:

[nccanes]

I'm saying that based on my observations of the way hockey players interact and their personalties over quite a period of time, not based on one quote from Doug Weight. It's something I've thought about and that's been discussed in my household a lot in the past. I agree, that it's too soon to decide that based on what has been said in this case. I already happened to believe that hockey would be better able to deal with it than the other major sports. But, saying it would be better able to deal with an openly gay player than football, basketball and baseball isn't really saying too, too much to begin with. But, I still do believe that hockey players would be more accepting that many others. I guess we'll see how that pans out in the future.

I also agree that fans everywhere will be absolutely brutal. I'm speaking strictly about how I believe the players will react. Maybe I'm overestimating them......we'll see.

I hope you are not overestimating, but I'd be curious to know what made you think they'd be better at dealing with the issue. I think hockey players are generally pretty bright people, so maybe that's part of it?

I can't even begin to think about how awful the fans would be. I don't think Danton will be the first player to face it though - I suspect his career is over unless these charges are just a bunch of hooey.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I hope you are not overestimating, but I'd be curious to know what made you think they'd be better at dealing with the issue. I think hockey players are generally pretty bright people, so maybe that's part of it?


It's something Mr SHC and I have discussed a lot and it is, of course, based purely on outside observations. We just feel there isn't as much of a culture of machismo in hockey as there is in the other major sports. I think intelligence has a bit to do with it. I also think that the fact that Canadians make up a majority of the league contributes. IMO, Canada has quite a different culture from the US. There are lots of differences between the two coutries that I think make a huge difference...not as much violent crime, for example. Hockey players just seem more live and let live than other athletes, IMO. And I think those kinds of things lead to greater acceptance of issues like a difference in sexual orientation. It's all clearly conjecture, though.

[StormShaman]

Well look at it this way--as a friend of mine once put it, "hockey is the gayest sport on the planet." I mean, in what other sport do you have guys kissing and hugging and generally each other on the ice after scoring a goal or winning a championship? Not basketball. Not beisbol. Certainly not futbol.

So the fact that Danton's teammates are supportive of him and are treating the "is he or isn't he?" question as a great big fat non-issue is probably more the norm than the exception.


(and IMO, that is a very good thing.)

[e2ipiand1]

I'd be careful before jumping to conclusions. The one story that claimed that the aquaintance was Danton's lover was datelined San Francisco. Who's to say that the reporter didn't see the term "aquaintance" and translated that into "lover" with no basis in fact.

[StormShaman]

The one story that claimed that the aquaintance was Danton's lover was datelined San Francisco.

Stereotype much? :roll:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I'd be careful before jumping to conclusions. The one story that claimed that the aquaintance was Danton's lover was datelined San Francisco. Who's to say that the reporter didn't see the term "aquaintance" and translated that into "lover" with no basis in fact.

I've seen it in other articles as well, now. Do you have an alternate explanation that makes sense? Some other kind of "acquainance" that he'd have been afraid would "leave him" and an explanation of how "alcohol and promiscuity" could ruin a hockey career?

[CaniacManiac]

Is it possible that his 'aquaintance' is his so-called manager? That sounds like a very unhealthy relationship if you ask me. :crazy:

[e2ipiand1]

I guess my only point is that you've got a reporter(s) saying that it's his gay lover while people close to the investigation are saying that there's no intimate relation between Mike Danton and the aquaintance. It's hard to tell who's right. We'll have to see. Just remember that the press is often wrong early on.

[nccanes]

Well, unless Danton was quoted as saying "lover", it seems like someone is taking a step with going from "acquaintance" to "lover" and whomever did was not directly quoted.

In any event, Danton is obviously quite troubled, so I don't know that statements that came from him after some emotional collapse following the arrest would be accurate either.

Jim Rome's callers/emailers were having a field day, though Rome himself basically called it "at the minimum bizarre" and was willing to wait for the story to unfold. He state the obvious that in the midst one of sport's greatest playoffs, the two stories to be remembered: Bertuzzi and Danton. /sigh

[talkingcanes]

Blues' cup seems to always run over with difficulties

Bernie Miklasz
04/18/2004

At times like these, you wonder if the Blues are a cursed franchise. So many tragedies. So many strange episodes. So much heartbreak. So much sadness.

There was tough defenseman Bob Gassoff's death in a motorcycle accident. Franchise icon Barclay Plager and "Monday Night Miracle" hero Doug Wickenheiser died too young. The voice of beloved announcer Dan Kelly was silenced by cancer. A former Blue, Ace Bailey, died in one of the planes that crashed on September 11. Defenseman Ed Kea had his career cut short by a severe head injury, and he drownedat age 51.

A star player, Doug Gilmour, was traded after the parents of a former babysitter filed a civil suit against Gilmour, alleging sexual misconduct.

There were personnel fiascoes with Scott Stevens, Brendan Shanahan and Adam Oates. This is a franchise that fired Scotty Bowman, who went on to become perhaps the greatest coach in NHL history. A franchise that allowed Brett Hull to walk as a free agent. A franchise that rented Wayne Gretzky for a short, unhappy time. A franchise that lured Mike Keenan away from the Stanley Cup champion New York Rangers at the peak of his coaching career, only to watch him flop here.

It's a franchise that nearly went out of business. A franchise that almost moved to Saskatoon. The Blues have teased the fans by making the playoffs for 25 consecutive years but still haven't come close to winning the Stanley Cup.

The Blues ...

The most appropriate team nickname in pro team sports.

And now we have the bizarre case of Blues winger Mike Danton, who has been arrested for allegedly initiating a murder-for-hire plot. He was apprehended in San Jose, Calif., hours after the Blues were eliminated by the Sharks in the first round. Blues players learned of the arrest before the flight that would carry them home for another restless offseason.

Saturday morning at Savvis Center, the players packed their belongings and tried to sort out their feelings. The Blues were puzzled, upset, curious, quiet.

And, most of all, shocked.

"It's beyond shocked, really," center Doug Weight said. "I don't know what to say. I can't believe it."

This was certainly the oddest ending to a Blues season. One of their players was locked in a jail cell 2,000 miles away. His teammates stood in an empty locker room at Savvis Center and tried, in vain, to make sense of it all.

Because of the FBI's cryptic wording in its affidavit on the Danton case, there was premature speculation about the nature of Danton's relationship with the male "acquaintance" - the intended target of the alleged murder scheme. Some media outlets, including those that serve the gay community, immediately and perhaps falsely assumed Danton was involved in a homosexual relationship. And multiple sources have told the Post-Dispatch that it isn't true.

Still, the FBI's phrasing led to the inevitable questions Saturday when Blues players met with the media. Weight and defenseman Chris Pronger said they didn't care about Danton's personal life. They praised him for being a dedicated, driven player.

"I don't know a tougher guy in here," Weight said. "I don't know a guy that goes in the corner and gets killed and will drop the gloves (and fight) against someone 40 pounds heavier. He'll come to you before the game and say, 'Anything you need me to do for you in the game, I'll do it.' I mean, he's tough as nails."

Weight and Pronger said they'd support any fellow Blue- regardless of sexual orientation - as long as he was a good teammate.

"Let's preface it by saying who knows what the situation is," Weight said. "There's rumors of what went on and who exactly was involved with this so-called thing. Let's not jump to conclusions, but you know what, hypothetically I think it would be fine. I'd like to think people are bigger than that and look into the person as a person and as a teammate."

Pronger said: "A lot would depend on the guy. And what kind of guy he was. If he was liked by his teammates. A lot of it would have to do with his character, more than anything. I wouldn't have a problem with it. If that's the way he wants to live his life, that's the way he should live his life. Everybody has a private life outside the locker room."

But Pronger isn't naive. He's only speaking for himself. Other athletes may not be as tolerant. That's one of the reasons why no professional athlete in hockey, football, baseball or basketball has acknowledged being gay while still playing.

"To be candid with you, I honestly don't know how it would be received," Pronger said. "A lot of sports are obviously very macho. A lot of bravado. I honestly couldn't tell you one way or another how something like that would be responded to."

In the Blues' locker room, it's generally known that Danton had a troubled childhood due to a tempestuous relationship with his father. They theorize that it's caused him considerable stress along the way.

"I'm sad for him," Weight said. "He's had a hard go. And I think this (details of Danton's childhood) will all come out and help him."

The Blues have other issues. A high-cost payroll sputtered on offense that failed to produce in the playoffs. A break-up of the team nucleus is possible. A labor war could shut down the league. There is so much to worry about, so much to deal with, so much uncertainty.

And all of that could wait. The Blues' latest, sorry season ended with a player in jail, accused of trying to arrange a murder. And the dream of winning a Stanley Cup still was alive in other NHL locker rooms, but not at Savvis Center. Saturday, there was an empty space where Mike Danton usually dresses, near the far corner of this cursed team's increasingly haunted locker room.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Because of the FBI's cryptic wording in its affidavit on the Danton case, there was premature speculation about the nature of Danton's relationship with the male "acquaintance" - the intended target of the alleged murder scheme. Some media outlets, including those that serve the gay community, immediately and perhaps falsely assumed Danton was involved in a homosexual relationship. And multiple sources have told the Post-Dispatch that it isn't true.

Cryptic wording is right. If that isn't the case, they sure made it seem like it. Personally, I still believe it probably is the case. Nothing else I can think of makes sense to me. AND, I don't consider it some sort of character flaw to be homosexual so it's not like this is an insult to think this of him.

[Shell]

Came across this looking for something else.. (printed well before the current charges)

Danton sits and fumes
Posted on Sunday, October 20 @ 17:22:09 EDT

The fragile peace between rookie Mike Danton and Devils management became strained last night when the brash center was scratched from the lineup by coach Pat Burns.

Burns told Danton, who has centered a line with wingers Jim McKenzie and Turner Stevenson, that he was not being punished and that the club wanted to get Steve Guolla into a game before he became too rusty. However, that explanation did not satisfy Danton or agent Dave Frost.

"I don't like it and I'm ticked off," an angry Danton said before the Devils suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of the Hurricanes, 3-1. "If the team wasn't winning or I wasn't doing my job, I would have no problem with this. I've done nothing but work my butt off for this team. They said I wasn't being punished, but it sure does feel like punishment to me."

Frost planned to speak to general manager Lou Lamoriello at some point.
"Mike is the type of guy who'll go through the end boards for you," Frost said last night. "If you start messing with his head, you might lose him. To me, this is opening up a can of worms I don't know they want to open up."

Frost warned of Danton's anger.

"He's the same off the ice as he is on the ice. You can't have one without the other and he doesn't understand why they'd do this," Frost said. "He just wants to play.

"You'd think with a 3-0 record this team would want to keep harmony. They're inviting problems. I'm shocked. I know the type of player Mike is. He's not the type of player who wants to sit around. He was fighting to get more than eight minutes of ice time and now this happens. In those first three games people saw he has an offensive upside, as well as being a pain."

Burns said he told Danton that he would not be playing against the Hurricanes at the RBC Center and sensed that the young forward was upset. Oddly, Danton made his NHL debut two seasons ago in Raleigh against the Hurricanes.

There is now speculation that Danton's days with the Devils could be numbered. This, of course, is not the first tensions between the team's ninth pick (135th overall) in the 2000 entry draft and management.

General manager Lou Lamoriello said he would not comment about the situation.

"I'm not aware of any problem," Lamoriello said. "I won't even comment about something like this."

Is this a serious setback in relations?

"I don't know," Danton said. "I'm just going to see what they do. I'm not the type of player who is happy just to be here and collect a paycheck."

Frost added: "Lou and myself and Mike worked extremely hard this summer to resolve this situation," Frost said. "I'd hate to see this set us back."

Last season, before he legally changed his surname from Jefferson to Danton, the fiery prospect suffered an abdominal injury during a solid preseason. When the Devils assigned him to Albany (AHL) to rehab the injury instead of keeping him in New Jersey, Jefferson flew to California for another medical opinion.

Lamoriello suspended Jefferson and the two fought via phone calls and faxes for the entire season. Lamoriello wound up paying Danton some salary and a signing bonus to retain the player's rights, but Jefferson severely criticized Lamoriello with comments like "I'm not drinking Lou's Kool-aid."

After legally changing his name this summer to distance himself from his family, Danton patched up his relationship with Lamoriello and was invited to training camp. He played so well that he earned a job and a spot in the starting lineup. Both sides said the past had been forgotten, but the fragile peace may have been shattered when Danton found himself watching last night instead of playing.

[Captain Slack]

The Smoking Gun has dug up the criminal complaint, for anyone who cares to read it. (Translation: it's 8+ pages and I don't have the patience for that much legalese.)

http://thesmokinggun.com/archive/0419041danton1.html

[nccanes]

I can't believe an agent would take his moaning to the media after getting scratched in 1 freakin' game? My God, the rest of the poor saps that get scratched game after game must be freakin' saints! And the guy was, what? 21 then?

I hope if Frost has an culpability (is that a word?) in this whole thing that he's totally exposed finally. Does anyone know if he represents any other current NHL players? (Or probably more importantly, Juniors?)

[nccanes]

Wow - I just read the whole complaint (it's not too hard to follow) and it does sound bizarre. The "acquaintance" identified himself as Danton's father when the "hitman" arrived at his apartment complex, though the document never states who the acquaintance actually is. Some of the soundbites make a little more "sense" (using the word in a very loose way) in the context of the complaint.

[talkingcanes]

this chick may be naive, but unless she's stupid she understood that hiring someone to kill someone else (as opposed to say, going to the police) is not a good choice. I was 19 about 100 years ago and even then I think I would have been able to work out for myself that this was a really bad idea that could land me in prison :roll: and if I were Danton's lawyer, I'd tell his agent to shut the hell up.

Lawyer: Danton lied to 'smitten' girl

Associated Press
4/19/2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Katie Wolfmeyer is a ``young girl smitten with a hockey player who lied to her,'' her lawyer told a federal magistrate Monday.

Wolfmeyer, a 19-year-old nursing student at St. Louis Community College, sobbed throughout her initial court appearance on charges that she tried to help St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton hire a hit man to kill an acquaintance of Danton's.

U.S. Magistrate Clifford Proud set a preliminary hearing for April 30. Wolfmeyer was freed on $100,000 US bail to the custody of her parents and ordered to wear an electronic monitor.

More than two dozen of Wolfmeyer's relatives and classmates packed the courtroom. Her father silently mouthed words of encouragement. Her mother held out her arm toward her daughter in quiet support as Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark emphasized the seriousness of the charges.

``This is not a theft, this is not a drug case,'' Clark said. ``This was a crime of violence.''

Danton, a native of Brampton, Ont., remains jailed in California, awaiting extradition. No hearing date for him has been set.

He was arrested Friday in San Jose, Calif., one day after the San Jose Sharks beat the Blues 3-1 to eliminate St. Louis from the NHL playoffs.

Danton's lawyer in St. Louis did not immediately return a phone call Monday.

Clark said Wolfmeyer confessed to the crime. Her lawyer, Donald Groshong, said she did not.

The FBI alleged Danton tried to hire a hit man for $10,000 to murder an acquaintance at the apartment the men shared. The complaint alleged the men argued Tuesday over Danton's ``promiscuity and use of alcohol.'' Danton feared the acquaintance would talk to Blues management and ruin Danton's career, the FBI said.

Wolfmeyer was accused of conspiring to arrange the plot by passing Danton's call to another man, described in the complaint as a ``co-operating witness'' for the FBI.

Groshong said Wolfmeyer knew she was speaking to a police officer and was simply laying out the facts. Clark dismissed that defence, saying the ``co-operating witness'' was not a police officer. In fact, Clark said Wolfmeyer showed the man where Danton lived.

When that witness and Danton spoke, Danton allegedly hatched a plot in which the slaying would occur at the apartment and be made to look like a burglary gone awry.

Groshong called Wolfmeyer ``a nice young girl who is the real victim in this case. She was lied to by everybody.'' He would not elaborate.

Danton's agent said the player is struggling, too.

``Mike is scared,'' agent Dave Frost said in a telephone interview. ``He's still in a state where he doesn't actually understand what's happened. He's in desperate, desperate need of counselling, immediately.''

Frost said Danton's problems are unrelated to drugs or alcohol.

Wolfmeyer's uncle, John Wolfmeyer, said the family believes she met Danton while working at the St. Louis Mills mall, where the Blues practise. It was one of three jobs Katie Wolfmeyer held while studying nursing at St. Louis Community College, where she played volleyball and lacrosse, her uncle said.

``She's an all-American type of girl,'' John Wolfmeyer said. ``Everyone's in her corner. Nobody is sleeping or eating. This is just tearing the family apart.''

Danton has had a troubled NHL career, but seemed to be finding himself with the Blues.

He came to the Blues in a June trade from the New Jersey Devils, where he had been twice suspended for disciplinary reasons. He sat out all of the 2001-02 season and played in just 17 games in 2002-03.

This season, Danton, serving in the role of a fourth-line agitator, had seven goals, 12 points and 141 penalty minutes - tied for most on the team.

Blues coach Mike Kitchen said Danton showed no signs of distraction during the playoffs. Though his ice time was limited, Kitchen said Danton earned the respect of his St. Louis teammates.

``He played very well for us,'' Kitchen said. ``He would go to battle for anyone on the ice. That's the way Mike is.''

[nccanes]

this chick may be naive, but unless she's stupid she understood that hiring someone to kill someone else (as opposed to say, going to the police) is not a good choice. I was 19 about 100 years ago and even then I think I would have been able to work out for myself that this was a really bad idea that could land me in prison :roll:


Oh stop bragging TC. Not all of us were so intelligent at that age! :evil:

[talkingcanes]

this chick may be naive, but unless she's stupid she understood that hiring someone to kill someone else (as opposed to say, going to the police) is not a good choice. I was 19 about 100 years ago and even then I think I would have been able to work out for myself that this was a really bad idea that could land me in prison :roll:


Oh stop bragging TC. Not all of us were so intelligent at that age! :evil:

to be honest, it's more a total panic at the idea of being locked up that made me smart! a little claustrophobia makes staying out of jail seem like a really good idea (among all the other reasons to stay out of jail) ;) :beatup:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Wow - I just read the whole complaint (it's not too hard to follow) and it does sound bizarre. The "acquaintance" identified himself as Danton's father when the "hitman" arrived at his apartment complex, though the document never states who the acquaintance actually is. Some of the soundbites make a little more "sense" (using the word in a very loose way) in the context of the complaint.

Yeah, I'd read that he identified himself as his father but it's since been printed that is absolutely was not his father. It's been said that he hasn't had contact with his father for years.

Here it is in one of the articles above:
According to authorities, a witness cooperating with the FBI - the person identified in the complaint as being hired by Danton for the murder - went to Danton's Brentwood residence on Thursday. There he was confronted by the acquaintance. The acquiantance, who later worked with the FBI to tape record a phone conversation with Danton, told the witness he was Danton's father, according to the complaint. Sources said that the man at Danton's residence was not his father, with whom they said Danton has not spoken in years.

I agree that his agent needs to shut the hell up....another reason I don't think his agent was the target either.

[nccanes]

Wow - I just read the whole complaint (it's not too hard to follow) and it does sound bizarre. The "acquaintance" identified himself as Danton's father when the "hitman" arrived at his apartment complex, though the document never states who the acquaintance actually is. Some of the soundbites make a little more "sense" (using the word in a very loose way) in the context of the complaint.

Yeah, I'd read that he identified himself as his father but it's since been printed that is absolutely was not his father. It's been said that he hasn't had contact with his father for years.

Oh, yeah I realized that. Just thought it was odd that the person automatically said that. I presume that meant he was old enough (or near to it) to be believed to be his father?

Seems odd to claim that the guy had info that would have ruined Danton's career and at the same time be afraid he'd "leave him". How absolutely crazy (and sad). Thankfully no one was hurt.

And really, did Danton believe that the police would think that two robbers would have a fight and leave one for dead at the scene of the robbery?

[talkingcanes]

Danton's father says Blues player "needs help"
By Derrick Goold
Of the Post-Dispatch
04/18/2004

Mike Danton's father, with whom the Blues player has been estranged for several years, said Sunday his son "needs help" and blames Danton's agent for his son's emotional problems, accusations the agent vehemently denies.

Stephen Jefferson spoke publicly for the first time since his son's arrest Friday in an alleged murder-for-hire plot.

The comments from the father came as Danton's representatives were still awaiting word on when the 23-year-old would be moved from a California jail to the St. Louis-area. The local attorney for Danton, Robert Haar, said he had not been informed when Danton would be moved or when a hearing will be held on the charges.

Danton was arrested Friday in San Jose, Calif., as a result of a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in East St. Louis by the FBI. The complaint alleges that Danton attempted to hire someone to murder an acquaintance whom Danton said was a hired killer coming to kill him.

Danton's agent, Dave Frost, said he spoke with Danton on Sunday and that "each day he's gotten better and that he appreciates all of the support he's received."

Jefferson spoke with several members of the media on Sunday, including the Post-Dispatch. He said that his relationship with his son ended "all because of David Frost."

"I haven't spoken to Mike in a long, long time," Jefferson said. "David is a monster, a manipulator. Mike and I got along fine until (his agent). ... I want David Frost to stay away from Michael."

Frost said: "For him to question my credibility is unconscionable."

Jefferson said his relationship with his son "dwindled" after Frost became Danton's agent, when the player was about 15, approximately eight years ago. Frost said that was about the time Danton came to him and "begged me to get him out of the house."

Nearly two years ago, Danton legally changed his name from Mike Jefferson to Mike Danton. He said in an interview in September that he had the name change to sever ties with his family.

Danton would not go into details about what led to that decision.

"He didn't change his name for no reason," Frost said. The agent added that it is "well-documented" with Danton's Canadian lawyer and with Canadian regional police "what Mike has gone through and what he has had to deal with. . . . It is all eventually going to come out and it will surface. This is really going to be a part of Mike's healing process."

Asked if he abused his son, Jefferson said: "No."

He said he had tried to contact his son at the California jail.

Frost said that in his talk with Danton on Sunday that Danton reiterated he wanted to seek counseling for what Frost called "paranoia," but also to deal with emotional turmoil he has kept mostly private.

The Jefferson family has contacted the NHL and the NHL Players' Association to get aid for Danton. When contacted the NHL said any help from a league-affiliated source would be confidential.

"My son needs help from doctors," Jefferson said.

The family for Katie Koester Wolfmeyer, 19, who was arrested in conjunction with Danton and charged by the FBI in the conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, also spoke publicly Sunday.

John Wolfmeyer, her uncle, said the family was "quite shaken and concerned completely with Katie's well-being."

John Wolfmeyer said Katie was still incarcerated, but her parents had gone to see her. When they first spoke with her, Katie told them she couldn't sleep and couldn't eat. On Sunday, she "ate a donut," John Wolfmeyer said.

"She's very bubbly, very family-oriented," her uncle said. "I know it's cliche to say the girl next door, but Katie's like the girl next door. There is a lot of support here for her and her family."

Katie Wolfmeyer is on an athletic scholarship at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, her uncle said. John Wolfmeyer had a hand-written set of notes from Katie's father about his daughter's academic record, her community and church involvement and her taking 15 hours of classes and working three jobs. One of those jobs was at the Blues' new practice facility, the ice rink at St. Louis Mills in Hazelwood.

The family did not know of a relationship with Danton, John Wolfmeyer said.

Questions outnumber the answers as to what the individual parties can say about the arrest and the charges as the parties are severely limited in what they can say. Representatives for Danton said information shedding light on Danton's background, why specifically he legally changed his name and why he had gone to lengths to avoid his father would be clear in the future. Also unknown is the identity of the acquaintance mentioned in the criminal complaint. The report is written as if to indicate that the acquaintance was the target of the alleged murder for hire.

Representatives declined to comment about specifics of the case.

The FBI could not be reached for comment.

"When this all comes out and the dust settles," Frost said, "the war of words won't matter."

[SouthernHockeyChick]

My, how things change. In the article from March of 1999 that drwFischerFan posted a link to on page one of this thread (http://www.sunmedia.ca/DunlopAwards/frost.html) we see this quote:
"Dave Frost," said Steve Jefferson, Mike's father, "is the best thing to ever happen to my kid."

This is just god-awful messed up.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

According to NHL2Nite Dave Frost WAS the target of the plot!! What the hell? :crazy: Now maybe I get the fear he was going to leave him thing a *little* bit but the part about ending his career makes no sense at all......unless Frost had Danton believeing he wouldn't have a career without him as his agent.

[nccanes]

According to NHL2Nite Dave Frost WAS the target of the plot!! What the hell? :crazy: Now maybe I get the fear he was going to leave him thing a *little* bit but the part about ending his career makes no sense at all......unless Frost had Danton believeing he wouldn't have a career without him as his agent.

If it was Frost, some of the info ("I'm his father" and the "afraid he'd leave me" quotes) starts to make sense (again using the term very loosely). But it seems odd that the police are not id'ing the guy and yet Frost is commenting on the whole thing. If Frost was the dominant figure in his life, I would believe that Danton thought Frost was powerful enough to end his career or damage it severly if he chose to.

[talkingcanes]

Views on agent: Mentor or monster
By Jeremy Kohler
Of the Post-Dispatch
04/19/2004

When the father of Blues forward Mike Danton over the weekend blamed Danton's agent for his son's emotional problems, it was the first time many St. Louisans had heard of the sports agent.

But Dave Frost is a household name in hockey-crazed Toronto, where the newspapers have profiled him as a hockey guru with powerful - some have said undue - influence over a corps of young hockey players in Ontario.

He's loved in some circles, hated in others. As a sports agent based in Laguna Beach, Calif., he has a base of loyal clients. As a coach, he was banned by two junior hockey leagues in Ontario, and in 1997 pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting his own player while coaching a junior-level team, according to several news reports.

Frost's close connection to four players - including Danton - drew notice from coaches and hockey insiders in the late 1990s. He is now an agent for several NHL players, including Danton.

Another protege, Sheldon Keefe, now a player with the Tampa Bay Lightning, in 1999 was quoted as saying in the Toronto Sun that he "wouldn't want anything else" than to be labeled as one of Frost's players.

Danton's father, Stephen Jefferson, too, was once counted among Frost's supporters.

"Dave Frost," Jefferson is quoted as telling the Toronto Sun in March 1999, "is the best thing to ever happen to my kid."

That opinion changed. On Sunday, Jefferson called Frost a "monster" and a "manipulator" who drove a wedge between him and his son. Two years ago, Danton changed his last name from Jefferson to cut off ties to his family.

Frost's relationship with Danton has been fodder for Canadian newspapers for the better part of a decade. In its 1999 profile of Frost, the Toronto Sun quoted a woman in Sarnia, Ontario, who had hosted Danton while he played for a local team.

The newspaper wrote that the woman became concerned about Frost controlling Danton and contacted the team's management about it.

The woman, Bonnie Gardner, was quoted as saying Danton was "a nice kid, but he changed when Frost was around. To me, Frost's a scary person. I don't like him."

Frost has been quoted as saying he doesn't care what people think of him, and that his players have excelled in school and on the ice.

"I didn't come into this business to make friends," he was quoted as telling the Toronto Sun in 1999. "I've heard the brainwash stuff, that I brainwash players. You know how crazy that is? If I was that smart, I would brainwash 20 of them and we would go win the Stanley Cup."

[nccanes]

Player's father blames himself
Dollars, fame outweighed suspicions about agent, Stephen Jefferson says

Bob Duff
Windsor Star; CanWest News Service


April 21, 2004

DETROIT - The father of St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton can admit today that his vision was blurred by dollar signs.

"I sold my soul to the devil," said Stephen Jefferson, whose son sits in a U.S. federal prison, charged in a murder-for-hire scheme. He could face as much as a 20-year jail term if convicted on all charges.

Jefferson only wishes his perception was as swift as that of his wife Susan, who was concerned very early on in their son's relationship with agent David Frost.

"I should have listened to my wife a long time ago," Jefferson said in an interview Tuesday. "She was suspicious, she didn't think things felt right with David Frost, but I couldn't see past my love of the game.''

According to law enforcement sources, the target of the alleged hit was Frost, the 23-year-old Danton's agent, although Frost has denied this.

Danton, who legally changed his name from Mike Jefferson two years ago, is estranged from his family. He hasn't spoken to his father in nearly two years, while developing a close relationship with Frost, whom Jefferson blames for the estrangement.

"My son was a really good kid before he met David Frost," said Jefferson, who points the finger at himself for the troubles his son now faces. "I fell in love with the thought of my son becoming a hockey player and I looked the other way. I put the full blame for this on myself."

The Jeffersons have approached the National Hockey League Players' Association to seek assistance in obtaining a restraining order to keep Frost away from their son.

"If Mike needs help with bail or lawyer's fees, his family will come up with the money," Jefferson said. "I don't want Mike to get out of jail and be put back into the hands of David Frost."

Calls to Frost's lawyer were not returned.

"The only way we can talk to Michael is through the media," his father said. "I want Michael to know that we all love him and support him 100 per cent, that his mom and his dad and his brother and all of his family all believe in him and we're ready and prepared to get involved and help him through this in any way we can."

Susan Jefferson plans to go to St. Louis shortly to see if she can help her son.

"There's nothing I love more than watching my sons play hockey," Stephen said, before being overcome by sobs. "Nothing."

Mike's younger brother Tom Jefferson, 17, will come to training camp with the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires this fall, and is represented by Hall of Famer Bobby Orr.

"I wish I'd known Bobby Orr years ago. He's the kind of person you want representing your children."

Jefferson, who lives in Brampton and operates a Toronto-area catering business, met Frost when Mike was 11 years old. Over Mike's developmental years, Frost served as his coach, adviser and ultimately his agent. He is certified as an agent with the NHLPA.

Slowly the Jeffersons noticed a change in their son. He grew distant from his family, spending more and more time with Frost. By the time Mike was playing junior in Sarnia, he spent most of his free moments away from the rink with Frost.



Two circumstances appear to have thwarted what authorities have described as a murder-for-hire plot by Blues player Mike Danton to kill his agent.

One was the choice of a young dispatcher for the Columbia, Ill., police as a hit man. A source identified him Tuesday as Justin Levi Jones, 19.

The other was a swift effort among local and federal authorities in three states to ensnare Danton early Friday, after Jones called authorities Thursday morning.

Danton, 23, and Katie Koester Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, were arrested last week on federal charges of conspiracy and using a telephone in interstate commerce to set up a murder.

Investigators said Danton enlisted Wolfmeyer's help to find a killer, and that she turned to Jones, even though she knew where he worked.

Dan Kelley, the sheriff of Monroe County, who once employed Jones as an intern, put voice Tuesday to a question many must have asked quietly: "If you know (Jones) and know he worked for a law enforcement agency, why would you call him?"

There was no answer from officials.

Danton remained in jail near San Jose, Calif., where he was arrested Friday morning. He awaits a transfer to court in East St. Louis, where the case was filed.

Kelley said Jones' internship involved working two to three hours a week with the sheriff's department for two semesters before Jones graduated last spring from Waterloo High School.

The school's principal, Todd Manning, said Tuesday, "He was really focused on what he wants to do. He's a good kid."

Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards declined to comment.

Jones, contacted at home Tuesday by a reporter, said he could not discuss the case and referred questions to the FBI.

Federal prosecutors say Danton called Wolfmeyer last week, asking her to help him find someone who would kill a hired killer who Danton claimed was coming from Canada to kill him over a debt.

Wolfmeyer presumably knew Danton through her work at the Blues' practice rink at St. Louis Mills in Hazelwood; court documents said she had a "personal relationship" with the Blues forward. It was not clear how she knew Jones.

Prosecutors say Danton offered $10,000 to perform the killing in his apartment in Brentwood, while the hockey player was with his team in San Jose. When Jones and Wolfmeyer showed up at Danton's apartment about midnight Thursday, it was not a hit man inside but Danton's longtime agent and mentor, David Frost, 36.

Frost has denied he was the target of a murder plot. He could not be reached for further comment on Tuesday. But sources said he was the one Danton intended to have killed.

A motive was not immediately clear. Court documents said Danton and his intended target had argued the night of April 13 about issues of drinking and promiscuity and that Danton had begged the target not to tell the Blues general manager and ruin his career. Danton scored a goal April 13 in a 4-3 playoff loss to the San Jose Sharks at Savvis Center.

Frost has said the case has nothing to do with drugs or alcohol and that there was never anyone threatening to go the GM with any information. Blues teammates also have said they rarely saw Danton drink alcohol.

Authorities later recorded a sobbing Danton telling the target in a phone call that he "felt backed into a corner and also felt the acquaintance was going to leave him," the complaint against Danton said. So Danton "decided to have him murdered."

A check of court records in Monroe County showed that Jones, who still lives in Waterloo, was placed under court supervision last June after pleading guilty of misdemeanor battery in an incident at the high school in which he was accused of slapping another student and pushing him against a urinal. Jones paid $75 in court costs and $441 to the student.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Agent denies he was Danton's target

Associated Press

4/20/2004

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Mike Danton's agent has dismissed media reports that he was the target of the St. Louis Blues player's alleged murder-for-hire scheme, saying ``it'll all be cleared up as soon as Mike is able to talk.''

``I wasn't the target,'' Dave Frost said by telephone after St. Louis media outlets, quoting unidentified sources, reported Monday night and Tuesday that Frost was the person Danton sought to have killed. ``I can't comment on the specifics.''

A message left Tuesday with Danton's St. Louis lawyer was not immediately returned.

Danton, 23, was arrested Friday - a day after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the NHL playoffs - on charges that he and a 19-year-old St. Louis woman conspired and used a telephone across state lines to set up a killing.

Danton, a native of Brampton, Ont., has been jailed in California pending his voluntary return to the St. Louis area for an appearance on the Illinois federal charges.

The alleged accomplice, college nursing student Katie Wolfmeyer, made her initial appearance Monday in federal court in East St. Louis, Ill. Her lawyer, Donald Groshong, told a federal magistrate that his client is a ``young girl smitten with a hockey player who lied to her.''

Wolfmeyer was freed on $100,000 bail US and scheduled for a preliminary hearing April 30.

``This is not a theft, this is not a drug case. This was a crime of violence,'' Stephen Clark, a federal prosecutor, said during Wolfmeyer's hearing Monday.

Clark said in court that Wolfmeyer confessed to the crime. Groshong said that was not the case, calling Wolfmeyer ``a nice young girl who is the real victim in this case. She was lied to by everybody.'' He would not elaborate.

A criminal complaint filed by the FBI alleges that Danton tried to hire a hit man for $10,000 to murder an acquaintance at the apartment the men shared. The complaint alleged the men argued April 13 over Danton's ``promiscuity and use of alcohol,'' and that Danton feared the acquaintance would talk to Blues management and ruin Danton's career.

On Monday, media outlets quoted law enforcement sources as saying the FBI found Frost at the player's suburban St. Louis apartment last week minutes after Wolfmeyer and a man she believed to be a hired killer had arrived there. Wolfmeyer apparently was unaware the supposed contract killer was secretly working with the FBI.

Frost told The Associated Press on Monday that Danton is ``desperate, desperate need of counselling.''

``Mike is scared. He's still in a state where he doesn't actually understand what's happened,'' the agent said. ``We're doing what we can to keep his mind-set as strong as we possibly can.''

Frost has served as Danton's agent since Danton was 15.

Frost has only said that police have long documented the reasons behind Danton's problems. Frost again said Tuesday they are unrelated to drugs or alcohol, though he declined to elaborate.

Danton came to the Blues in a June trade from the New Jersey Devils, where he had been twice suspended for disciplinary reasons. This season, Danton - serving as a fourth-line agitator - had seven goals, 12 points and 141 penalty minutes - tied for most on the team.

Who the hell knows what's true at this point. :roll:

[AbNormal27]

Frost weaves chilly web

Steve Simmons says agent's world is a murky place

By STEVE SIMMONS -- Toronto Sun

Â*When you enter the closed and disturbing world of David Frost, you are entering a murky place of threats and, as Mike Danton has found out, a place of danger.

Â*Danton, the local kid hockey player once known as Mike Jefferson, remains in a California jail accused of attempting to arrange a paid assassination.

Â*Frost, his former coach, roommate, confidante, and now, officially, his agent, has dismissed reports he was the target.

Â*Danton, 23, a St. Louis Blues forward, was arrested Friday on charges that he and a 19-year-old St. Louis woman conspired and used a telephone across state lines to set up a killing.

Â*JUSTICE

Â*The fallout eventually will be determined by the U.S. justice system. The prelude, though, from those of us who saw trouble coming as early as 1999, is sadly and disturbingly predictable.

Â*Five hockey seasons ago, the St. Michael's Majors traded four of their best players to the Barrie Colts in a deal that from the outside appeared to make little sense. Out of curiosity more than anything else, I asked The Sun's Terry Koshan, who covered junior hockey at the time: "Why would St. Mike's do this?"

Â*"They want to get away from Frost," Koshan answered.

Â*"Who's Frost," I asked.

Â*"You don't want to know," he said.

Â*Thus begun an exhaustive one-month journey into a man lurking in the hockey shadows, with truths being twisted, controlling a clique of "his boys" and whispers and rumours (not of a sexual nature) -- but hardly anyone willing to go on the record to say what they knew.

Â*People were afraid of him.

Â*They were afraid if they spoke out against him they would be the ones injured in the end. They were concerned if they said what they knew about how he operated, about the control he had over his kids, they would end up punished.

Â*I interviewed almost 100 people, many of them refusing to go on the record, about Frost, including a 140-minute session with him at what was then his Brampton home, and the more I learned, the more cryptic the story became.

Â*"The guy is a lunatic," Rob Ciccarelli, Dino's brother and owner of the Sarnia Sting, said at the time. "What worried me is he had a cult-like attraction for (Jefferson/Danton). I have never in my history seen anything like that. The kid totally did everything that Frost said. It was shocking."

Â*Five years ago, Steve Jefferson, now Mike's estranged father, told me that "Dave Frost is the best thing that ever happened to my kid."

Â*Five years later, he says his son, who changed his name, has to "get the hell away" from Frost.

Â*The more I learned about David Frost and the more people I asked about him, the more nervous, apparently, he became.

Â*During a five-day span after interviewing him at his home, before the column appeared in March 1999, Frost telephoned The Toronto Sun sports department at least 15 times issuing threats of lawsuits even though he had no idea what was going to be reported about him. He often called, made a point, then called back a few minutes later. He also called my home on a number of occasions -- as did unidentified others on his behalf, some of them hanging up immediately, some of them threatening harm if the story appeared.

Â*It was about that time Mike Jefferson called, after numerous requests to interview him were denied.

Â*And it was about that time Sheldon Keefe, another Frost insider, called, suddenly available to be interviewed.

Â*In the years that passed, long after the story appeared and the hockey world went back to its whispering and disdain for Frost, Mike Jefferson would occasionally phone me, just to let me know he was doing all right.

Â*He phoned after he walked out on the New Jersey Devils and said he was trying to make it as an actor in Hollywood. He told me on another occasion that he "had straightened his life out" and that everything was fine. He was like a little boy searching for approval.

Â*The kind of approval that Frost, apparently, provided him with.

Â*The approval that came from the David Frost who once was found guilty of assaulting a hockey player on his own bench, once suspended indefinitely for allegedly falsifying a document (he denies the charge) by the GTHL, once suspended indefinitely by the Ontario Hockey Association, and yet somehow was allowed to be certified as an agent by the National Hockey League Players' Association, even though old Frost associate Bob Goodenow was fully aware of the history.

Â*MARRIED FROST

Â*Mike Gillis, the player agent who once utilized Frost as a bird-dog, has distanced himself from Frost, almost denying there was ever any kind of professional relationship.

Â*And one of the families associated with Frost, a well-known hockey name, has watched as their teenage daughter inexplicably left home, moved in and eventually married Frost.

Â*"I've asked my daughter to come home," the mother said, pleading that her identity be protected. "My daughter is an idiot. She will not listen. I said to her 'This is the FBI we're talking about here. Now is your chance. Get away from him and come home.'

Â*"I don't know what control he has over her. But he has always had this control."

Â*A control unexplained.

Â*A control witnessed by many who have watched with trepidation a control they couldn't understand.

Â*"Success breeds jealousy," David Frost told me in 1999. "I kind of like the controversy as long as I know what I'm doing is best for the player. I don't care who I rub the wrong way. I'm not about to change.

Â*"Not for anybody."

This is getting weird and is beginning to have the stentch of the Sheldon Kennedy story http://www.silent-edge.org/kennedy.html. I hope the truth comes out and Danton can get his life and his head straight.

Aaryn

[talkingcanes]

no wonder they got caught. this is just a portion of the article.

Danton case "hit man" works for the police, a source says
By Michael Shaw
Of the Post-Dispatch
04/20/2004

The alleged "hit man" involved in the Mike Danton murder-for-hire case is Levi Jones, an employee of the Columbia, Ill. police department, a source says.

Two circumstances appear to have thwarted what authorities have described as a murder-for-hire plot by Blues player Mike Danton to kill his agent.

One was the choice of a young dispatcher for the Columbia, Ill., police as a hit man. A source identified him Tuesday as Justin Levi Jones, 19.

The other was a swift effort among local and federal authorities in three states to ensnare Danton early Friday, after Jones called authorities Thursday morning.

Danton, 23, and Katie Koester Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, were arrested last week on federal charges of conspiracy and using a telephone in interstate commerce to set up a murder.

Investigators said Danton enlisted Wolfmeyer's help to find a killer, and that she turned to Jones, even though she knew where he worked.

Dan Kelley, the sheriff of Monroe County, who once employed Jones as an intern, put voice Tuesday to a question many must have asked quietly: "If you know (Jones) and know he worked for a law enforcement agency, why would you call him?"

[nccanes]

I guess Goodenow has more than just the CBA to ratchet up the heat....

Mentor Is Now Portrayed as a Monster
By SELENA ROBERTS

MANIPULATOR requires a badge of authority. So, junior hockey officials in Canada tried removing David Frost from his position of influence as a coach.

By 1995, Frost had been barred from the Ontario Hockey League and suspended by the Greater Toronto Hockey League. But for years he loitered as the controversial mentor of young players like Mike Jefferson, now known as Mike Danton, now known as the St. Louis Blues player accused in a murder-for-hire plot.

A puppeteer needs to yank strings with a commanding hand. So, two off-duty police officers turned Frost in after they witnessed him repeatedly punching a junior player on a team he was helping to coach in 1997. Neither a guilty plea to an assault charge nor a probation period separated Frost from the teenage Jefferson's side, even as his parents looked on at a guru they now call a monster.

"I fell in love with the thought of my son becoming a hockey player and I looked the other way," Danton's father, Stephen Jefferson, told The Windsor Star this week. "I put the full blame for this on myself."

A control freak has to have his subjects under thumb. So, several youth officials raised red flags when Frost's collection of phenoms, including Jefferson, lived with him during the 1998 season.

"Put it this way, I think people thought he was into mind control," John Gardner, the president of the Greater Toronto Hockey League, said in a telephone interview. "It seemed like certain players were under his hypnotic spell."

Many observers tried snapping their fingers. Wake up, everyone. But whenever someone tried to cut Frost off, he managed to regenerate his tail by convincing folks of his magical powers to produce hockey legends.

Many lapped it up, some in positions of power. Bob Goodenow was among them as the executive director of the National Hockey League Players Association. Goodenow provided Frost instant entree into young players' lives and established a line of credibility for the Canadian Yoda. In 2002, the players association approved Frost's application to become a sports agent.

Leading up to his certification, Frost was the adviser for Jefferson, who became a mercurial pain for General Manager Lou Lamoriello after the Devils drafted him in 2000, uttering the famous line, "I'm not going to drink Lou's Kool-Aid."

Who was stirring whom? When Frost slipped into the more authoritative role of agent, some intriguing changes began to take shape. Before the 2002 season, Jefferson changed his name to Danton as a symbolic gesture to cut ties with his family, a move Frost fully supported.

Did the tight bond fray? On Tuesday, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported, law enforcement officials said that Frost was the target of the murder plot Danton is accused of hatching, though Frost has denied he was the target. Court documents say the target was an acquaintance who Danton feared would ruin his career by offering sordid details of his personal life to the Blues' front office.

Immediately after Danton's arrest last Friday in San Jose, Calif., Frost depicted him as a paranoid kid suffering delusions related to a troubled childhood at home. Translated: ignore the ramblings of the disturbed.

The truth behind all this is yet unknown. Is the root of Danton's alleged act of desperation a dysfunctional childhood, or is it his odd boyhood spent with Frost?

Given that Danton had severed communication with his parents, whatever psychological issues he had became acute on Frost's watch. Neither Frost nor his lawyer returned a call seeking comment.

If Frost exacerbated Danton's state of mind, consider Goodenow's odd role in perpetuating this troublesome link. "Frost coached Bob Goodenow's son," Gardner said, referring to Joe Goodenow, who once played for Frost in the Canadian junior program.

If Goodenow's son prospered under Frost, was Goodenow sending a message to those suspicious of Frost?

Goodenow did not respond to an interview request about Frost, but he did slip behind Ian Penny, the players association's associate counsel, who oversees agent certification. In response to questions about whether Frost received preferential treatment or if his legal brushes were taken into consideration, Penny's e-mailed answer was lame, evasive and canned: "David Frost filed for agent certification in 2002 and met the requirements for certification."

Interesting how background checks are applied in hockey.

In the mid-1990's, a junior coach named Graham James was accused of sexually assaulting two former players. In 1997, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. In the wake of that scandal, the Canadian Hockey Association came up with reforms and put in place a system to screen all new coaches for any prior trouble with the law.

These days, if a shifty hockey type is thwarted in his attempt to coach young players, he can always try to represent them in the N.H.L. That's why Frost was able to set up shop as a sports agent in California.

"He moved to the other side of the continent," Gardner, the hockey official in Toronto, said, "but the name hasn't faded."

Frost would most likely be unfazed by such remarks. In 1999, he told The Toronto Star: "I didn't come into this business to make friends. I've heard the brainwash stuff, that I brainwash players. You know how crazy that is?"

What's crazy is how Frost's strange life span in hockey has been perpetuated by a cross-section of people, from naïve parents to some of the most powerful figures in the sport.

[rkbrasse]

At least the father accepted the blame he deserved in all of this. This is why you should let your kids have fun with sports. Let it be thier choice to work hard and become good at it. If they have talent, they will make it to the pro level. If they don't, they will have a memory of how much fun they had playing a game with thier friends as a kid.

[nccanes]

Well said RK.

I think the NHLPA has to do some self evaluation. To approve an agent that's been tossed out of the junior leagues and explaining it by saying "he met the requirements" is a little weak, imo.

Maybe they'll let the O'Sullivan (isn't that his name?) kid's Dad be an agent next.

As a side note, I commented on it when I posted the NY Times article, but perhaps these headlines stories (Bertuzzi, Danton) will take a bit of the smugness out of the NHLPA. It's unfair that 2 players can tarnish the image of 700, but they have. If the NHLPA is going to protect the players and be their voice, they have to accept that their own membership (and people they approve to represent them) is diminishing their value in the eye of the public. We can't go back and change either of these occurances, but if they make the NHLPA feel the heat on "doing the right thing" and get this CBA worked out, it's a silver lining.

[rons#1fan]

I think they need to get Frost "off the streets" so to speak. I think of crazed fanatics who somehow manage to get into the environment they seem to love and mingle with the people (movie stars, sports celebrities etc) and do damage. What comes to mind is the Selena situation. The head of one of her fan clubs ends up being her personal assistant (or whatever) and then shoots her.

Danton definitely needs some help. He was obviously desperate to break away from Frost, however Frost sounds like a sick pup and something needs to be done in reference to his "techniques".

[CANESFREAKinDET]

I think they need to get Frost "off the streets" so to speak. I think of crazed fanatics who somehow manage to get into the environment they seem to love and mingle with the people (movie stars, sports celebrities etc) and do damage. What comes to mind is the Selena situation. The head of one of her fan clubs ends up being her personal assistant (or whatever) and then shoots her.

Danton definitely needs some help. He was obviously desperate to break away from Frost, however Frost sounds like a sick pup and something needs to be done in reference to his "techniques".

I agree with this totally. Well said Rons.

This story freaked me out. I was just getting home and I turned on the cmputer for some nice leisurely palyoff scores and what the heezy? I read this...and I was like whoa... this is crazy. It reminded me of the Godfather or something, and then when the plot thickened, and it was revealed that his agent was the center of the plot and that Danton had a so called girlfriend or accomplice whatever she was to him besides the accomplice. Just whoa. Very messed up situation. I hope he gets put away or something or gets help. I feel bad for his agent and hope he gets out of this unscathed...it looks good already for him, because he's alive and well, but sheesh. Whatever's wrong with Mike, and his girl...Once again, though...the negative attention is focuse on hockey...I'm getting uite sick of that...especially with so much fun playoff excitement...the Media needs to wake up and realize there's much more good from the NHl then they wanna realize or report :roll:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

As far as the negative attention being focused on hockey I don't think that's true in this case. I was home for a wedding this weekend and I asked lot's of my family if they'd heard about this and no one had. They had no idea who Mike Danton was and hadn't heard anything about hockey since the Bertuzzi thing.....which they all say has gone away completely. I think only us hockey nuts are up on the Danton situation....not much non-hockey national media attention, apparently.

[Shell]

I've been asked about it at work.. and it always ends with "Say, what ever happened to that other guy that rammed the guy into the ice?"

[AbNormal27]

Did anyone watch "The Practice" last night? Their story was about a hockey player who did exactly what "that guy" did, and the prosecution demanded the player be suspended for 2 years. Sorry, this is a bit OT, but Shell did broach the subject.

Aaryn

[Alicia]

Friday, April 23, 2004


ESPN.com news services
ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton will plead not guilty to federal charges that he tried to hire a hit man to kill an acquaintance, his lawyer said Friday.


"The complaint tells a very bizarre, incomprehensible story that's inconsistent with what all of Mike Danton's teammates and those close to him know about him," attorney Bob Haar said. "We will be entering a plea of not guilty at the time of the arraignment."


Also Friday, ESPN's Jeremy Schaap and Gare Joyce learned of a former investigation of an incident involving Danton's brother and the reported target of the alleged murder plot.


Some media have identified David Frost, Danton's longtime agent, as the target, although Frost has said repeatedly that that's not the case.


ESPN has learned that Frost, who once pleaded guilty to assaulting a player on a team he was coaching, was investigated three years ago by the Ontario Provincial Police for an alleged incident involving Tom Jefferson. Jefferson is Danton's younger brother and a top prospect himself.


The alleged incident took place at a residence owned by Frost. Jeff Jefferson, uncle to both Tom Jefferson and Mike Danton, who changed his last name to Danton two years ago, confirmed that the investigation took place.


No charges stemming from the alleged incidents were ever filed against Frost. Repeated attempts by ESPN to reach Frost for comment were unsuccessful.


It is uncertain when Danton's arraignment will happen. The player, arrested in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks beat the Blues to eliminate them from the NHL playoffs, remains in federal custody.


Haar said the U.S. Marshal's Service, partly for security reasons, does not disclose when a suspect will be moved.


"All we have gotten is very rough predictions from a couple of days to a couple of weeks," Haar said. "Unfortunately, it's not a process we have any influence over."


On Thursday, a federal prosecutor said Danton was being brought back to Illinois to face the charges.


Danton and an alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer, of the St. Louis suburb Florissant, were indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to arrange a murder for hire and using a telephone across state lines to arrange it.


Wolfmeyer was freed Monday to the custody of her parents on $100,000 bond.


Federal authorities said that Danton, with Wolfmeyer's help, tried to hire a hit man for $10,000 to murder an unidentified acquaintance at Danton's suburban St. Louis apartment. Federal authorities said the men argued April 13 over Danton's "promiscuity and use of alcohol." Danton allegedly feared the acquaintance would talk to Blues management and ruin Danton's career.


Wolfmeyer was accused of contacting the would-be hit man, who alerted the FBI.


Ronald Tenpas, the U.S. Attorney for Illinois' southern district, asserted that Wolfmeyer, who had a "personal relationship" with Danton, had ample time to reconsider her choice to help in the plot, but did not. She not only found someone who said he'd do the killing, she led the man to Danton's apartment building, Tenpas said.


Tenpas and other authorities refuse to identify the person Danton is accused of wanting dead. Media reports, citing unidentified sources, maintained the target was Frost.


Danton came to the Blues in a June trade from the New Jersey Devils, where he had been twice suspended for disciplinary reasons. This season, Danton -- serving as a fourth-line agitator -- had seven goals, 12 points and 141 penalty minutes, which tied him for most on the team.


Blues players released a statement Thursday in support of their teammate, saying they wanted to "tell everyone about the player and person we know. The media's portrayal of Mike has not been balanced and has not accurately reflected the character of the person we have spent the past 215-plus days with."


Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[nccanes]

Woman pleads not guilty in Danton case
Associated Press
4/29/2004

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A woman indicted as an accomplice in an alleged murder-for-hire plot with St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton pleaded not guilty Thursday.

Danton remains jailed in California, where he was arrested April 16, hours after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the NHL playoffs. His lawyer has said Danton also will plead not guilty.

Katie Wolfmeyer entered her plea Thursday in federal court in East St. Louis, Ill. Her trial was set for July 13, with a pre-trial hearing July 1.

Danton and Wolfmeyer were indicted April 22 by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to arrange a murder for hire and using a telephone across state lines in an attempt to do so.

Lawyer Bob Haar said he didn't know when Danton would be returned to the St. Louis area. Partly for security reasons, the U.S. Marshal's service does not disclose when a suspect will be moved.

Wolfmeyer, 19, appeared shaken during her arraignment. She gave only yes or no answers to questions from the magistrate. She is free on $100,000 US bail and is in custody of her parents.

Wolfmeyer's lawyer told reporters his client has lost two jobs and a position as a lacrosse coach because of media coverage.

``I urge you to tone it down and let the kid get on with her life,'' lawyer Donald Groshong said.

Federal authorities said Danton, with Wolfmeyer's help, tried to hire a hit man for $10,000 to murder an unidentified acquaintance at Danton's suburban St. Louis apartment. Federal authorities said the men argued April 13 over Danton's ``promiscuity and use of alcohol.'' Danton allegedly feared the acquaintance would talk to Blues management, potentially damaging the player's career.

Wolfmeyer was accused of passing a phone call from Danton to the would-be hit man, who pretended to go along with the plan, but actually went to Columbia, Ill., police; they in turn alerted the FBI.

Danton, a 23-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., came to the Blues in a June trade from New Jersey, where he had been twice suspended for disciplinary reasons.



I love it. Poor 19 year old lost her job as Lacrosse coach because she was willing to help a professional athlete hire a hit man. "Tone it down", lmao. She ought to be thrilled that the guy she approached turned her and Danton in. If the thing had actually taken place, she'd be a helluva lot worse off.

I'm all for 2nd chances - especially when people make youthful mistakes - but sometimes along the way you have to pay the price to get the second chance.

[nccanes]

Woman pleads not guilty in Danton case
Associated Press
4/29/2004

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A woman indicted as an accomplice in an alleged murder-for-hire plot with St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton pleaded not guilty Thursday.

Danton remains jailed in California, where he was arrested April 16, hours after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the NHL playoffs. His lawyer has said Danton also will plead not guilty.

Katie Wolfmeyer entered her plea Thursday in federal court in East St. Louis, Ill. Her trial was set for July 13, with a pre-trial hearing July 1.

Danton and Wolfmeyer were indicted April 22 by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to arrange a murder for hire and using a telephone across state lines in an attempt to do so.

Lawyer Bob Haar said he didn't know when Danton would be returned to the St. Louis area. Partly for security reasons, the U.S. Marshal's service does not disclose when a suspect will be moved.

Wolfmeyer, 19, appeared shaken during her arraignment. She gave only yes or no answers to questions from the magistrate. She is free on $100,000 US bail and is in custody of her parents.

Wolfmeyer's lawyer told reporters his client has lost two jobs and a position as a lacrosse coach because of media coverage.

``I urge you to tone it down and let the kid get on with her life,'' lawyer Donald Groshong said.

Federal authorities said Danton, with Wolfmeyer's help, tried to hire a hit man for $10,000 to murder an unidentified acquaintance at Danton's suburban St. Louis apartment. Federal authorities said the men argued April 13 over Danton's ``promiscuity and use of alcohol.'' Danton allegedly feared the acquaintance would talk to Blues management, potentially damaging the player's career.

Wolfmeyer was accused of passing a phone call from Danton to the would-be hit man, who pretended to go along with the plan, but actually went to Columbia, Ill., police; they in turn alerted the FBI.

Danton, a 23-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., came to the Blues in a June trade from New Jersey, where he had been twice suspended for disciplinary reasons.



I love it. Poor 19 year old lost her job as Lacrosse coach because she was willing to help a professional athlete hire a hit man. "Tone it down", lmao. She ought to be thrilled that the guy she approached turned her and Danton in. If the thing had actually taken place, she'd be a helluva lot worse off.

I'm all for 2nd chances - especially when people make youthful mistakes - but sometimes along the way you have to pay the price to get the second chance.

[RIO]

Ludicrous Talking Head Lawyer says:
let the kid get on with her life

Sorry, but a 19 year old isnt a KID.

[RIO]

Ludicrous Talking Head Lawyer says:
let the kid get on with her life

Sorry, but a 19 year old isnt a KID.

[nccanes]

So is this a defense strategy? Is Danton's defense team sending Frost out with this stuff? :crazy:

Agent: Danton was delusional
Associated Press
5/6/2004

ST. LOUIS (AP) - St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton was delusional and using painkillers and sleeping pills in the hours before he allegedly tried to hire a hit man to kill an acquaintance, Danton's agent says.

Several media reports, citing anonymous police sources, have identified agent David Frost as Danton's intended target. Frost reiterated in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday his belief that he was not the target.

``I'm not saying it, I'm telling you for a fact,'' Frost said. ``Obviously, I'm privy to information that you're not. I know what he (Danton) was thinking at the time.'' (My comment: then why did you NOT get the guy, who basically depended on you for EVERYTHING some freaking help?!?!)

Danton remains jailed in Clinton County, Ill., near St. Louis. A hearing Friday will determine if he will be eligible for bail.

The 23-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., pleaded not guilty to federal murder-for-hire charges Tuesday. His trial was scheduled for July 20. His alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer of suburban St. Louis, is free on $100,000 bond. Her trial was set for July 13.

In an interview published in Thursday's editions of USA Today, Frost said he was ``like a father'' to Danton. He told the newspaper he was concerned by the player's increasing use of painkillers for a shoulder injury, as well as sleeping pills.

In the interview with the AP, Frost said he stood by the comments in the newspaper but refused further elaboration.

Frost was staying at Danton's suburban apartment on April 13. He recalled that Danton tried to eat a spaghetti dinner but couldn't because his stomach hurt.

``I told him it's the pills,'' Frost told USA Today. ``He said, `You don't understand the pain.'''

Danton injured his shoulder in February. Frost said Danton had been taking painkillers with frequency - he described Danton as ``eating pills.'' He said the player also took sleeping pills and used ``Ultimate Orange,'' a legal energy-boosting supplement.

``I told him, `I'm going to go to the doctor and tell them you can't play,''' Frost told the newspaper. ``He's begging me not to do that.''

Frost also described an incident in the middle of the night when Danton awoke, screaming, having a nightmare. Frost said the player was convinced that someone he knew was there with a gun.

``He was completely petrified,'' Frost told USA Today.

Frost said he told Danton he should tell the Blues about his problems, but Danton convinced him he could work it out himself. (My comment: Oh, okay, he's overdosing on pills, suffering from paranoia and you just figured he'd work it out?)

The FBI's criminal complaint alleged that on April 14, Danton, through Wolfmeyer, tried to hire a hit man to kill someone who allegedly was threatening to go to the Blues with information about Danton. Danton was arrested on April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the NHL playoffs.

Danton's lawyer, Bob Haar, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Frost has known Danton since he began coaching him in youth hockey in Canada when the player was 11. Danton moved in with Frost at age 15, and legally changed his name two years ago.

Danton's mother, brother and aunt attended the Tuesday court hearing, but Danton did not acknowledge them.

[nccanes]

So is this a defense strategy? Is Danton's defense team sending Frost out with this stuff? :crazy:

Agent: Danton was delusional
Associated Press
5/6/2004

ST. LOUIS (AP) - St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton was delusional and using painkillers and sleeping pills in the hours before he allegedly tried to hire a hit man to kill an acquaintance, Danton's agent says.

Several media reports, citing anonymous police sources, have identified agent David Frost as Danton's intended target. Frost reiterated in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday his belief that he was not the target.

``I'm not saying it, I'm telling you for a fact,'' Frost said. ``Obviously, I'm privy to information that you're not. I know what he (Danton) was thinking at the time.'' (My comment: then why did you NOT get the guy, who basically depended on you for EVERYTHING some freaking help?!?!)

Danton remains jailed in Clinton County, Ill., near St. Louis. A hearing Friday will determine if he will be eligible for bail.

The 23-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., pleaded not guilty to federal murder-for-hire charges Tuesday. His trial was scheduled for July 20. His alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer of suburban St. Louis, is free on $100,000 bond. Her trial was set for July 13.

In an interview published in Thursday's editions of USA Today, Frost said he was ``like a father'' to Danton. He told the newspaper he was concerned by the player's increasing use of painkillers for a shoulder injury, as well as sleeping pills.

In the interview with the AP, Frost said he stood by the comments in the newspaper but refused further elaboration.

Frost was staying at Danton's suburban apartment on April 13. He recalled that Danton tried to eat a spaghetti dinner but couldn't because his stomach hurt.

``I told him it's the pills,'' Frost told USA Today. ``He said, `You don't understand the pain.'''

Danton injured his shoulder in February. Frost said Danton had been taking painkillers with frequency - he described Danton as ``eating pills.'' He said the player also took sleeping pills and used ``Ultimate Orange,'' a legal energy-boosting supplement.

``I told him, `I'm going to go to the doctor and tell them you can't play,''' Frost told the newspaper. ``He's begging me not to do that.''

Frost also described an incident in the middle of the night when Danton awoke, screaming, having a nightmare. Frost said the player was convinced that someone he knew was there with a gun.

``He was completely petrified,'' Frost told USA Today.

Frost said he told Danton he should tell the Blues about his problems, but Danton convinced him he could work it out himself. (My comment: Oh, okay, he's overdosing on pills, suffering from paranoia and you just figured he'd work it out?)

The FBI's criminal complaint alleged that on April 14, Danton, through Wolfmeyer, tried to hire a hit man to kill someone who allegedly was threatening to go to the Blues with information about Danton. Danton was arrested on April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the NHL playoffs.

Danton's lawyer, Bob Haar, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Frost has known Danton since he began coaching him in youth hockey in Canada when the player was 11. Danton moved in with Frost at age 15, and legally changed his name two years ago.

Danton's mother, brother and aunt attended the Tuesday court hearing, but Danton did not acknowledge them.

[AbNormal27]

PLEASE let this kid get the help he needs. First step, get him the HELL away from Frost.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

PLEASE let this kid get the help he needs. First step, get him the HELL away from Frost.

Aaryn

[talkingcanes]

Prosecutor: Danton wanted to kill agent

Associated Press
5/7/2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton plotted to kill his agent for at least six months and tried on at least three occasions to hire a hit man, federal prosecutors said Friday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Massey outlined details of the government's complicated case against Danton during a detention hearing, and confirmed for the first time that agent David Frost was Danton's intended victim. Frost had repeatedly denied reports he was the target.

"The evidence in this case is strong," Massey said.

"We have multiple taped conversations where the defendant is speaking to the confidential informant, in which it is clear" that Danton was arranging a murder for hire, Massey said.

Danton's lawyer, Bob Haar, asked U.S. Magistrate Clifford Proud to assign Danton to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation and treatment of an injured shoulder. Massey, however, told Proud that Danton is a danger to the community and a flight risk.

Proud ordered Danton, a 23-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., to remain jailed. His trial is scheduled to begin July 20.

Danton's alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer of suburban St. Louis, is free on $100,000 bond. Her trial begins July 13.

Danton was arrested April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks knocked the Blues out of the NHL playoffs.

[talkingcanes]

Prosecutor: Danton wanted to kill agent

Associated Press
5/7/2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton plotted to kill his agent for at least six months and tried on at least three occasions to hire a hit man, federal prosecutors said Friday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Massey outlined details of the government's complicated case against Danton during a detention hearing, and confirmed for the first time that agent David Frost was Danton's intended victim. Frost had repeatedly denied reports he was the target.

"The evidence in this case is strong," Massey said.

"We have multiple taped conversations where the defendant is speaking to the confidential informant, in which it is clear" that Danton was arranging a murder for hire, Massey said.

Danton's lawyer, Bob Haar, asked U.S. Magistrate Clifford Proud to assign Danton to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation and treatment of an injured shoulder. Massey, however, told Proud that Danton is a danger to the community and a flight risk.

Proud ordered Danton, a 23-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., to remain jailed. His trial is scheduled to begin July 20.

Danton's alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer of suburban St. Louis, is free on $100,000 bond. Her trial begins July 13.

Danton was arrested April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks knocked the Blues out of the NHL playoffs.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You know, as much as I hate to say it, if he's in this much trouble already it's almost a shame he didn't succeed. :-/ This Frost guy is a menace, IMO. At the very least it's a shame that when deciding on sentencing we can't take into account that the world might have been better off had his plot worked. I think people like Frost actually do more damage than flat-out murderers, in some cases.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You know, as much as I hate to say it, if he's in this much trouble already it's almost a shame he didn't succeed. :-/ This Frost guy is a menace, IMO. At the very least it's a shame that when deciding on sentencing we can't take into account that the world might have been better off had his plot worked. I think people like Frost actually do more damage than flat-out murderers, in some cases.

[talkingcanes]

You know, as much as I hate to say it, if he's in this much trouble already it's almost a shame he didn't succeed. :-/ This Frost guy is a menace, IMO. At the very least it's a shame that when deciding on sentencing we can't take into account that the world might have been better off had his plot worked. I think people like Frost actually do more damage than flat-out murderers, in some cases.

I couldn't agree more. I have to admit that my first thought when I read this story was "too bad he didn't succeed". I think Danton was a kid with real emotional problems and Frost just took advantage and took over his life. I hope Danton gets the help he needs and I hope the prosecutor is not just interested in "winning".

[talkingcanes]

You know, as much as I hate to say it, if he's in this much trouble already it's almost a shame he didn't succeed. :-/ This Frost guy is a menace, IMO. At the very least it's a shame that when deciding on sentencing we can't take into account that the world might have been better off had his plot worked. I think people like Frost actually do more damage than flat-out murderers, in some cases.

I couldn't agree more. I have to admit that my first thought when I read this story was "too bad he didn't succeed". I think Danton was a kid with real emotional problems and Frost just took advantage and took over his life. I hope Danton gets the help he needs and I hope the prosecutor is not just interested in "winning".

[nccanes]

Such a sad situation. Isn't it "convenient" that Frost, was just about to get the kid help after the season. :roll: Of course, I think that's a load of hooey, but the idea that the one person in your life you depend on would put your hockey season/career before your health is just appalling. He wouldn't have been the first player to take a leave to address health issues.

While Frost will claim he only did as Danton begged in not getting him help, I suspect Frost used the threat to do so (instead of just having the guy committed or letting the Blues help him or <gasp> calling his family) as a means of control.

I only hope that if Danton in his delusional state had enough anger to want to kill Frost, that he will now allow others (professionals hired by the Blues and/or his family and his family members themselves) into his life to get it back on track. I wonder where and to whom he will go when he gets out on bail. :sad:

[nccanes]

Such a sad situation. Isn't it "convenient" that Frost, was just about to get the kid help after the season. :roll: Of course, I think that's a load of hooey, but the idea that the one person in your life you depend on would put your hockey season/career before your health is just appalling. He wouldn't have been the first player to take a leave to address health issues.

While Frost will claim he only did as Danton begged in not getting him help, I suspect Frost used the threat to do so (instead of just having the guy committed or letting the Blues help him or <gasp> calling his family) as a means of control.

I only hope that if Danton in his delusional state had enough anger to want to kill Frost, that he will now allow others (professionals hired by the Blues and/or his family and his family members themselves) into his life to get it back on track. I wonder where and to whom he will go when he gets out on bail. :sad:

[Fandragon]

This bit in particular creeps me out:


Frost also described an incident in the middle of the night when Danton awoke, screaming, having a nightmare. Frost said the player was convinced that someone he knew was there with a gun.

``He was completely petrified,'' Frost told USA Today.


Does Frost insist on such a level of control that he's actually sharing sleeping quarters with his players? No wonder Danton's reached the state he's in; it sounds like close proximity to Frost would drive anybody out of their mind.

It's also starting to annoy me that Frost keeps saying he wasn't the target, and then follows it up with some comment about how "troubled" Danton is. It's almost like he can't admit anyone under his control would want to hurt him, but if he did then obviously it's because the person was mentally unstable. And in pain. And over medicated. Nothing to do with Frost at all.

[Fandragon]

This bit in particular creeps me out:


Frost also described an incident in the middle of the night when Danton awoke, screaming, having a nightmare. Frost said the player was convinced that someone he knew was there with a gun.

``He was completely petrified,'' Frost told USA Today.


Does Frost insist on such a level of control that he's actually sharing sleeping quarters with his players? No wonder Danton's reached the state he's in; it sounds like close proximity to Frost would drive anybody out of their mind.

It's also starting to annoy me that Frost keeps saying he wasn't the target, and then follows it up with some comment about how "troubled" Danton is. It's almost like he can't admit anyone under his control would want to hurt him, but if he did then obviously it's because the person was mentally unstable. And in pain. And over medicated. Nothing to do with Frost at all.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OMG, PLEASE tell me his lawyers will get a restraining order now!!

Saturday, May 8, 2004
Danton Reads Statement from Jail Cell

ESPN.com news services

Calling Friday night from the Clinton County (Ill.) Jail, where he's being held on murder-for-hire charges, Mike Danton read a statement outlining a litany of blues to a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Without the knowledge of his lawyer, Robert Haar, in the case the troubled St. Louis Blues winger wrote his two-page statement on a yellow legal pad and, with the help of his agent, Dave Frost, contacted the Post-Dispatch.

Ironically, it's Frost whom Danton is alleged to have targeted for a hit.

Reading calmly, directly and slowly, according to the Post-Dispatch, at times repeating phrases to assure that his statement was copied verbatim, Danton reiterated his support of Frost and his disdain for his family.

Danton said his family's "recent publicity rants are nothing new."

"Their deceptions and lies throughout the past three weeks are a sign of the erratic lifestyle that I have lived. I have changed my last name to fully distance myself from the Jeffersons and in no means have had or will have anything to do with them in the future."

This came after Danton had first thanked Frost, his friends, and the Blues players and organization for their support.

Danton said he was feeling "OK, under the circumstances, you know," but he would not answer questions, saying he would only read his statement.

In his statement, Danton alleged "constant physical and emotional abuse" by his family during a squalid upbringing that his parents and their friends have refuted.

Danton described a "very troublesome" upbringing. His complaints ran from the amount of toilet paper in the house to the clothing he was given.

His best friends, Sheldon Keefe and Shawn Cation, and Frost have echoed Danton's allegations.

Stephen Jefferson, Danton's father, responded after the statement was read to him.

"I'm really hurt by it," Jefferson told the Post-Dispatch. "His mother will be floored. That's Dave Frost talking. You'd think that his brother and his mother would remember these things, and they don't at all.

"It hurts the family to hear that type of nonsense from him, but it just shows how badly Mike needs help."

Danton read his statement after Frost had contacted a reporter Friday to set up the call. Frost said that he and Danton's Ottawa-based attorney, Michael Edelson, had been contacted earlier in the week by Danton about making a statement.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OMG, PLEASE tell me his lawyers will get a restraining order now!!

Saturday, May 8, 2004
Danton Reads Statement from Jail Cell

ESPN.com news services

Calling Friday night from the Clinton County (Ill.) Jail, where he's being held on murder-for-hire charges, Mike Danton read a statement outlining a litany of blues to a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Without the knowledge of his lawyer, Robert Haar, in the case the troubled St. Louis Blues winger wrote his two-page statement on a yellow legal pad and, with the help of his agent, Dave Frost, contacted the Post-Dispatch.

Ironically, it's Frost whom Danton is alleged to have targeted for a hit.

Reading calmly, directly and slowly, according to the Post-Dispatch, at times repeating phrases to assure that his statement was copied verbatim, Danton reiterated his support of Frost and his disdain for his family.

Danton said his family's "recent publicity rants are nothing new."

"Their deceptions and lies throughout the past three weeks are a sign of the erratic lifestyle that I have lived. I have changed my last name to fully distance myself from the Jeffersons and in no means have had or will have anything to do with them in the future."

This came after Danton had first thanked Frost, his friends, and the Blues players and organization for their support.

Danton said he was feeling "OK, under the circumstances, you know," but he would not answer questions, saying he would only read his statement.

In his statement, Danton alleged "constant physical and emotional abuse" by his family during a squalid upbringing that his parents and their friends have refuted.

Danton described a "very troublesome" upbringing. His complaints ran from the amount of toilet paper in the house to the clothing he was given.

His best friends, Sheldon Keefe and Shawn Cation, and Frost have echoed Danton's allegations.

Stephen Jefferson, Danton's father, responded after the statement was read to him.

"I'm really hurt by it," Jefferson told the Post-Dispatch. "His mother will be floored. That's Dave Frost talking. You'd think that his brother and his mother would remember these things, and they don't at all.

"It hurts the family to hear that type of nonsense from him, but it just shows how badly Mike needs help."

Danton read his statement after Frost had contacted a reporter Friday to set up the call. Frost said that he and Danton's Ottawa-based attorney, Michael Edelson, had been contacted earlier in the week by Danton about making a statement.

[talkingcanes]

every story I read about Danton makes me sadder for him and more convinced that Frost is the responsible party for whatever happened in the last few weeks. there is no one and no way anyone will convince me that Frost has done anything less than abuse this boy since he came into his life. his parents will have to live with the fact that they turned their son over to him, but at least they seem vaguely willing to accept their responsibility in all this. I believe nccanes stated earlier in the thread that the NHLPA is going to have to look at itself and it's decisions regarding Frost as well.

[talkingcanes]

every story I read about Danton makes me sadder for him and more convinced that Frost is the responsible party for whatever happened in the last few weeks. there is no one and no way anyone will convince me that Frost has done anything less than abuse this boy since he came into his life. his parents will have to live with the fact that they turned their son over to him, but at least they seem vaguely willing to accept their responsibility in all this. I believe nccanes stated earlier in the thread that the NHLPA is going to have to look at itself and it's decisions regarding Frost as well.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Just to bring us back to a topic discussed earlier in this thread, the Editor's (Jason Kay) Notebook in the 5/4 issue of THN is, in part, about the question of homosexuality that this case brought up. He seems to think that an openly gay player would be fairly well recieved by the majority of NHL players as well. He points out that many of the aspects most admired in players...heart, courage, grit, and determination....would also be required to come out of the closet.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Just to bring us back to a topic discussed earlier in this thread, the Editor's (Jason Kay) Notebook in the 5/4 issue of THN is, in part, about the question of homosexuality that this case brought up. He seems to think that an openly gay player would be fairly well recieved by the majority of NHL players as well. He points out that many of the aspects most admired in players...heart, courage, grit, and determination....would also be required to come out of the closet.

[RIO]

I'm going to have to disagree with that assessment. While in no way do I believe any player who admitted to being gay would be treated badly, I also believe that would pretty much spell the end of his career. He might be well-liked, a great player, a good family man - but the gay thing would always be a wedge between him and the others. In sports, like in the military, that's just how it goes.

I can't remember the name of that one NFL football player who recently quit, not because he was being abused horribly or whatever, but because the fact he was gay WAS a big deal, even to guys who weren't totally freaked out by it. Not to make an unflattering parallel, but it would be similar to having a woman on an all-male team and her presence in the locker room/shower room etc would be a source of awkwardness. Let's face it. Having a gay man on the team would make it co-ed and ultra-males like sports figures aren't comfortable with that. Sparta was the leading army in the ancient world and almost all the men were bi-sexual. Either it's one way or the other. Everyone's doing it or they aren't.

I don't fault them and I don't fault the person who came out. But the two will not mix, atleast not in the near future. When I was the sole female in an all-male diesel shop, it was difficult enough with the two genders interacting as peers. I had my own bathroom which was important and brings up the point that I wasn't fully integrated with the males. It's always "separate but equal". No gay man would be would be fully integrated in a multi-million dollar, testosterone-driven sport.

If Danton is homosexual, as some people are supposing, then he'd rightfully have a reason to be losing his mind over it, given his occupation which is also his center of life and validation. Sounds like he's entirely absorbed into it and this unhealthy man dominating him. Frost scares me. Why is he still allowed access to Danton? I suppose he can't be held off seeing as Danton is an adult and is allowing the visits. But surely there's a way to get him off this kid until someone can pry Danton's head open?

[RIO]

I'm going to have to disagree with that assessment. While in no way do I believe any player who admitted to being gay would be treated badly, I also believe that would pretty much spell the end of his career. He might be well-liked, a great player, a good family man - but the gay thing would always be a wedge between him and the others. In sports, like in the military, that's just how it goes.

I can't remember the name of that one NFL football player who recently quit, not because he was being abused horribly or whatever, but because the fact he was gay WAS a big deal, even to guys who weren't totally freaked out by it. Not to make an unflattering parallel, but it would be similar to having a woman on an all-male team and her presence in the locker room/shower room etc would be a source of awkwardness. Let's face it. Having a gay man on the team would make it co-ed and ultra-males like sports figures aren't comfortable with that. Sparta was the leading army in the ancient world and almost all the men were bi-sexual. Either it's one way or the other. Everyone's doing it or they aren't.

I don't fault them and I don't fault the person who came out. But the two will not mix, atleast not in the near future. When I was the sole female in an all-male diesel shop, it was difficult enough with the two genders interacting as peers. I had my own bathroom which was important and brings up the point that I wasn't fully integrated with the males. It's always "separate but equal". No gay man would be would be fully integrated in a multi-million dollar, testosterone-driven sport.

If Danton is homosexual, as some people are supposing, then he'd rightfully have a reason to be losing his mind over it, given his occupation which is also his center of life and validation. Sounds like he's entirely absorbed into it and this unhealthy man dominating him. Frost scares me. Why is he still allowed access to Danton? I suppose he can't be held off seeing as Danton is an adult and is allowing the visits. But surely there's a way to get him off this kid until someone can pry Danton's head open?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I disagree. I do think the NHL would handle it quite a bit better than the other major sports. Several Blues players were even quoted as saying they'd have no problem with it and I believe them. IMO, there is a huge difference between the attitudes of the very cosmopolitan, worldly, NHL players and those of the guys in your average diesel shop. Guess we'll never know until someone is brave enough to come out, though. But, I think we'll be finding that out very soon in all the major sports....or at least I hope so.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I disagree. I do think the NHL would handle it quite a bit better than the other major sports. Several Blues players were even quoted as saying they'd have no problem with it and I believe them. IMO, there is a huge difference between the attitudes of the very cosmopolitan, worldly, NHL players and those of the guys in your average diesel shop. Guess we'll never know until someone is brave enough to come out, though. But, I think we'll be finding that out very soon in all the major sports....or at least I hope so.

[nccanes]

OMG, PLEASE tell me his lawyers will get a restraining order now!!


God I hope so. Do you think they could do that? It's sickening (and damaging) for Frost to just hook up his admittedly ill client with the media w/o knowledge of his legal team.

And, wouldn't there be an issue with the alleged murder target and the accused talking, etc.? I mean it just doesn't make sense AT ALL.

[nccanes]

OMG, PLEASE tell me his lawyers will get a restraining order now!!


God I hope so. Do you think they could do that? It's sickening (and damaging) for Frost to just hook up his admittedly ill client with the media w/o knowledge of his legal team.

And, wouldn't there be an issue with the alleged murder target and the accused talking, etc.? I mean it just doesn't make sense AT ALL.

[nccanes]

:eek2: (And I just want to say, does Frost think that making a public statement like this is going to HELP him? Really, what do his feelings about his family, who have no involvement in his legal situation, have to do with anything? )

Danton thanks agent, slams family
TSN.ca Staff



5/8/2004

St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton has gone public for the first time since being arrested for allegedly trying to arrange the murder of an acquaintence.

Danton read a prepared statement over the phone Friday night from Clinton County Jail.

He phoned a select few media outlets, including TSN, and was facilitated in those calls by his agent David Frost.

This happened just hours after the prosecution claimed Frost was Danton's intended victim.

The statement didn't mention the case at all.

Instead, Danton, who was once known as Mike Jefferson, targeted his family, outlining alleged physical and emotional abuses he suffered while growing up.

Here are portions of the statement he read:

"First of all, I'd like to thank my agent, Dave Frost, and his family for all their time and support. Also, my close friends for their co-operation and involvement. I would also like to express my appreciation to the St. Louis Blues organization and players for their caring and support."

"With regards to the Jeffersons, their recent publicity rants are nothing new to myself. The deceptions and lies throughout the past three weeks are a sign of the erratic lifestyle that I have lived. I have changed my last name to fully distance myself from the Jeffersons and, in no means, have had or will have anything to do with them in the future."

"This abuse occurred as early as I can remember and also continued until the time I left the household. I was constantly degraded and put down at early ages."

"As mentioned before, I was neglected many daily necessities, as well as the abandonment of love, care and direction."

"One pair of track pants and two t-shirts created an abundance of embarrassment for a young boy going to school such as myself, coupled with the fact that I wasn't given lunch to eat or money to buy lunch. Dinner was rare and, on many occasions, I would visit friends' houses in search of food and washroom use, due to the fact that there was no toilet paper at the Jefferson house."

"I wanted to share this small amount of information with you to set the record straight and show that there are two sides to the story. Also, that I have had no interest and will have no interest in the future to have any contact whatsoever with the Jeffersons."

Danton's father, Steve Jefferson, was made aware of the statement, and had this response:

"I'm really hurt by it. His mother will be floored. That's Dave Frost talking. You'd think that his brother and his mother would remember these things and they don't at all. It hurts the family to hear that type of nonsense from him, but it just shows how badly Mike needs help."

Once again, Danton's statement was facilitated by David Frost, who spoke to TSN shortly before Danton called.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which also heard the statement, Danton's attorney Robert Haar said he knew nothing about the statement, and didn't know his client was going to speak publicly.




Two sides of WHAT story? That he had a dysfunctional family? Umm. Isn't that kind of 'beside the point' for now?

[nccanes]

:eek2: (And I just want to say, does Frost think that making a public statement like this is going to HELP him? Really, what do his feelings about his family, who have no involvement in his legal situation, have to do with anything? )

Danton thanks agent, slams family
TSN.ca Staff



5/8/2004

St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton has gone public for the first time since being arrested for allegedly trying to arrange the murder of an acquaintence.

Danton read a prepared statement over the phone Friday night from Clinton County Jail.

He phoned a select few media outlets, including TSN, and was facilitated in those calls by his agent David Frost.

This happened just hours after the prosecution claimed Frost was Danton's intended victim.

The statement didn't mention the case at all.

Instead, Danton, who was once known as Mike Jefferson, targeted his family, outlining alleged physical and emotional abuses he suffered while growing up.

Here are portions of the statement he read:

"First of all, I'd like to thank my agent, Dave Frost, and his family for all their time and support. Also, my close friends for their co-operation and involvement. I would also like to express my appreciation to the St. Louis Blues organization and players for their caring and support."

"With regards to the Jeffersons, their recent publicity rants are nothing new to myself. The deceptions and lies throughout the past three weeks are a sign of the erratic lifestyle that I have lived. I have changed my last name to fully distance myself from the Jeffersons and, in no means, have had or will have anything to do with them in the future."

"This abuse occurred as early as I can remember and also continued until the time I left the household. I was constantly degraded and put down at early ages."

"As mentioned before, I was neglected many daily necessities, as well as the abandonment of love, care and direction."

"One pair of track pants and two t-shirts created an abundance of embarrassment for a young boy going to school such as myself, coupled with the fact that I wasn't given lunch to eat or money to buy lunch. Dinner was rare and, on many occasions, I would visit friends' houses in search of food and washroom use, due to the fact that there was no toilet paper at the Jefferson house."

"I wanted to share this small amount of information with you to set the record straight and show that there are two sides to the story. Also, that I have had no interest and will have no interest in the future to have any contact whatsoever with the Jeffersons."

Danton's father, Steve Jefferson, was made aware of the statement, and had this response:

"I'm really hurt by it. His mother will be floored. That's Dave Frost talking. You'd think that his brother and his mother would remember these things and they don't at all. It hurts the family to hear that type of nonsense from him, but it just shows how badly Mike needs help."

Once again, Danton's statement was facilitated by David Frost, who spoke to TSN shortly before Danton called.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which also heard the statement, Danton's attorney Robert Haar said he knew nothing about the statement, and didn't know his client was going to speak publicly.




Two sides of WHAT story? That he had a dysfunctional family? Umm. Isn't that kind of 'beside the point' for now?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You'd think with two adults working on the statement they might have managed a more correct usage of the English language. Just my pet peeve.....

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You'd think with two adults working on the statement they might have managed a more correct usage of the English language. Just my pet peeve.....

[RIO]

You'd think with two adults working on the statement they might have managed a more correct usage of the English language. Just my pet peeve.....

I don't think the sicko orchestrating this train wreck does ANYTHING appropriate. :crazy: I had a chat with friends and family over what could legally be done against Frost and we all drew a blank. Since Danton is an adult, I think he's legally free to shoot himself in the guts if he wants. Anyone here better acquainted with the legal system? We got computer techs, doctors, graphic artists, mechanics, students, etc etc. Surely LGC boasts a lawyer too.

[RIO]

You'd think with two adults working on the statement they might have managed a more correct usage of the English language. Just my pet peeve.....

I don't think the sicko orchestrating this train wreck does ANYTHING appropriate. :crazy: I had a chat with friends and family over what could legally be done against Frost and we all drew a blank. Since Danton is an adult, I think he's legally free to shoot himself in the guts if he wants. Anyone here better acquainted with the legal system? We got computer techs, doctors, graphic artists, mechanics, students, etc etc. Surely LGC boasts a lawyer too.

[RIO]

I disagree. I do think the NHL would handle it quite a bit better than the other major sports.

Like golf? No wait, they only dress like they're flamboyantly gay. :D


Several Blues players were even quoted as saying they'd have no problem with it and I believe them.


Oh, I don't doubt they mean it. I believe they're telling the truth. But a few players saying they'd have no trouble with it and changing an entire league is two different things in my mind. I had some ex-Marines I used to work with back at the diesel shop who were real laid-back and had no uptight issues with their manhood or anyone elses, but they seemed to believe that the military in general was NOT going to accept gays. See what I durst mean? Not that if you took a head count and got individual opinions. I'm saying as an institution, major well-established ultra-male thought patterns would have to be broken first and that would take some serious time and effort. Sort of like women getting jobs outside of their homes back in the 40's and 50's. That type of woman was seen as deviant or selfish by the *casual majority*. Took some time before that stigma was removed.

IMO, there is a huge difference between the attitudes of the very cosmopolitan, worldly, NHL players and those of the guys in your average diesel shop.

You'd be amazed how worldly you can feel while chewing cherry Skoal and spitting it on your neighbor's Ropers, Chickie. lol :D If that doesn't say "tony" and "sophisticated" I don't know what does. :smoke:

Guess we'll never know until someone is brave enough to come out, though.

I agree with that. An actual case would certainly be the litmus test.

[RIO]

I disagree. I do think the NHL would handle it quite a bit better than the other major sports.

Like golf? No wait, they only dress like they're flamboyantly gay. :D


Several Blues players were even quoted as saying they'd have no problem with it and I believe them.


Oh, I don't doubt they mean it. I believe they're telling the truth. But a few players saying they'd have no trouble with it and changing an entire league is two different things in my mind. I had some ex-Marines I used to work with back at the diesel shop who were real laid-back and had no uptight issues with their manhood or anyone elses, but they seemed to believe that the military in general was NOT going to accept gays. See what I durst mean? Not that if you took a head count and got individual opinions. I'm saying as an institution, major well-established ultra-male thought patterns would have to be broken first and that would take some serious time and effort. Sort of like women getting jobs outside of their homes back in the 40's and 50's. That type of woman was seen as deviant or selfish by the *casual majority*. Took some time before that stigma was removed.

IMO, there is a huge difference between the attitudes of the very cosmopolitan, worldly, NHL players and those of the guys in your average diesel shop.

You'd be amazed how worldly you can feel while chewing cherry Skoal and spitting it on your neighbor's Ropers, Chickie. lol :D If that doesn't say "tony" and "sophisticated" I don't know what does. :smoke:

Guess we'll never know until someone is brave enough to come out, though.

I agree with that. An actual case would certainly be the litmus test.

[talkingcanes]

the last sentence in this article is the biggest crock of bull.... (from the person saying it at least.)


Seeking Mike Danton
By Derrick Goold
Of the Post-Dispatch
05/08/2004

While accounts of the beleaguered Blue's life differ, friends and family do agree about Mike Danton when it coms to his work ethic, sense of humor and lifelong dream of playing hockey.
(Donna McWilliam/AP)

Mike Danton had to move fast. If he was going to pull this joke off, timing was essential.

The first things first: He got to the hotel room before his roommate. He had to squirrel his luggage away in a closet and then look for a place to hide. Behind the television cabinet, maybe. In the closet with his stuff, maybe. He had to find a nook quickly and then wait for the precise comic time.

Ryan Johnson would be there any second.

"He would hide his stuff so when I got to the room it would be like no one was there, like I got there first," said Johnson, Danton's road roommate during his first season with the Blues. "And then he would come flying out from the closet, from behind the TV, somewhere. He got me good a few times, then I got smart to what he would do.

"He had this great sense of humor. He could be very lighthearted."

As Danton, 23, remains jailed awaiting his trial on murder-for-hire charges, it has been revealed that he was well-practiced in hiding more than just himself. In a statement made from jail Friday evening, Danton described his upbringing, saying "under the circumstances it is important to scratch the surface and share a part of my life that I have hidden for so long." His parents refute the allegations of abuse and neglect Danton made elsewhere in the statement.

Danton's and others' depictions of his youth are integral and debatable parts of who he is, and possibly why he's facing charges for allegedly conspiring to pay to have someone killed. So much of who Danton is or was has been contested; his parents and his agent, Dave Frost, even have different views on how good a student Danton was before meeting Frost.

But there are elements of agreement, and from them a portrait of Danton develops.

His parents, Frost, and past and present teammates laud Danton's toughness and sense of humor, especially when he warms to a group. Frost called him "a goofball." During the season with the Blues, he was particularly playful with his teammates' children. He is insatiably competitive, past coaches and teammates said, and he worked relentlessly on his conditioning and strength. He was frenetically hyperactive as a child, relatives and his agent said.

And, universally, everyone agrees: Danton has always been consumed with hockey.

Before ruling Friday that Danton would be denied bond and held in jail, Magistrate Clifford J. Proud said the probation officers' investigation into Danton revealed someone "wrapped up in ice hockey since he was probably a young man."

"Mike's entire life has revolved around hockey," his father, Stephen Jefferson, said. "You see Mike and he had a hockey stick in his hand."

His aunt, Linda Gebe, said she has a letter Danton signed with a P.S.: "I scored 60 goals" for his atom hockey team. Hockey was "always what he talked about," she said. His mother said she has examples of his schoolboy penmanship practice where he would write over and over how he was going to be an NHL hockey player.

It was a long shot. But Mike made it happen.

"He was on his way to having the next 12 years in the NHL," said Frost, who has been associated with Danton since Danton was 11. As Danton's career moved toward the pros, Frost was his defender, his advocate. He would question Danton's ice time and how he was being used. Once, another client, Sheldon Keefe, also Danton's friend, stopped Frost.

"Sheldon said to me, 'Just forget it. He's playing. The joke's over with Mike,'" Frost said. "He's an NHL player now. He's already proved it. He's going to play. It happened for him. You know, the joke's over."

"Never backed down"

In one of his first games with the Quinte Hawks, a team coached by Frost and infamous for its rugged style of play, Danton - then known as Mike Jefferson - popped out of the penalty box and instantly got into a fight. This was not an isolated incident so the details of this fight have blended with other fights to form an anecdotal alloy, but his friend Shawn Cation remembers two things about that early fight.

First, the crowd loved it and loved Mike for it.

Second, Mike had a Mohawk haircut he thought was way cool.

"Typical Mike," said Cation, who along with Keefe, Jefferson and a couple others formed a nucleus of players that Quinte team still associates with Frost. "The crowd came alive for him. He was always like that. He'd stand up to anybody and never backed down from a challenge."

When Brian Finley, the Barrie Colts goaltender who played two seasons with Danton on that junior team, first saw Mike's frame that now only reaches 5 foot 9 and hefts 191 pounds, he thought: middleweight. Turns out, Mike would take on all comers.

"And he was a better player than we knew, too," said Finley, a Nashville draft pick who now plays for Milwaukee in the American Hockey League. He has no affiliation with Danton, Frost or the Jeffersons. "He was a real tough, tough player. Real dedicated guy, one of the most dedicated I've played with. Even going to high school - I had the whole morning with him - he was jogging to school, every day."

Danton was a live wire before games then, like he was with the Blues this season. His pregame warmups included running dashes wherever he could find room. Several times this season, he asked directions to staircases so he could run some pregame steps. And this, his friends and family say, is calm compared to his youth.

His mother, Sue Jefferson, said he was a "handful" because of his hyperactivity as a kid. His family said he used to bounce off the walls - literally. He would run and slam into the wall, just because. Frost said teams didn't want Danton because he was so wildly unrestrained in the dressing room.

That untamed energy was corralled by hockey.

One of his childhood homes had a backyard that sloped into Professors Lake in Brampton, Ontario. He could dart out the back door and hit the ice in 10 strides, at most. Food had to be brought to him. He "always had to be the last one (to leave)," Stephen Jefferson said.

While much of Frost's role with Danton and the other players in his flock has been called controversial, few doubt Frost's ability to cultivate hockey players, particularly feisty, edgy players. Frost stressed the importance of conditioning and weightlifting. He gave them enticing success.

"I've always been on championship teams," Danton said after his first day on the ice with a few Blues' veterans in September. Danton won an All-Ontario championship in youth hockey and played for the Memorial Cup, the Canadian junior championship. "I'm not used to losing. I absolutely hate losing, can't stand losing," he said.

Several coaches and agents who saw Danton and his teammates in their junior careers said it was clear they were, as one coach said, "on a different page than everybody else." Danton would be told not to fight and on the next shift he would fight. He was the captain of St. Michael's Majors for a while before yielding the "C" to Keefe, but both were traded to Barrie partially because of their on-ice freelancing, management said at the time.

Keefe and Danton - who served as the skilled Keefe's on-ice bodyguard while putting up his own points- powered Barrie to the Memorial Cup. It was at Barrie that Danton earned a reputation for his yapping. Reportedly, he didn't shake the hand of another team's star after a game. Teammates said that was part of Mike's game. His impishness. His competitiveness.

A quick look at his face would tell his teammates how he felt about how he was playing or how the team was playing, Finley said.

He was obsessed with his professed goal: making the NHL.

"As a (14- and 15-year-old), he was just an average player," said Mike McCann, the general manager of Barrie. "He just competed so hard, competed so, so hard. The word 'quit' wasn't in his vocabulary. He's a guy that could be an effective third-line center and he made himself into that."

Said Kevin Abrams, who runs the Pembroke (Ontario) Lumberkings, a youth team owned by Keefe (majority) and Danton (minority): "He beat the odds his whole career. He achieved through sheer determination."

"A second chance"

The Blues explored trading for Danton several times before they actually did. The scrappy forward had worn out his welcome in New Jersey - and vice versa. He had been suspended and had demanded a trade. The Blues knew all this, had been told about concern over how domineering his agent was, but finally worked out a deal last June.

Danton said it was "a second chance" at a career. He was 22.

Blues general manager Larry Pleau told Danton he would talk to him before training camp about what was expected from him. Pleau didn't have that talk. Didn't need to, he said. By the end of camp, Danton had earned a spot on the team and proven "he knew what his role was," Pleau said. After his first informal workout with the team, a veteran asked a reporter: "Can this guy play?" During training camp, the same vet said he answered his own question: Yes.

The Blues learned quickly about him on the ice. Off the ice it took time.

The Blues knew the clippings. They had heard about Danton's verbal fencing with Devils management, his open gripes about playing time. They knew he'd twice been suspended from the team. They slowly met a completely different Danton.

"When I'm on a road trip, I like to have fun, joke around; I'm that kind of roommate," Johnson said. "Initially, when we were first put together he would look at me as if I had 12 heads. Like, 'What kind of guy did I get stuck with?' It took some time and then he opened up."

He started hiding behind things, not always hiding things. He started joking around, especially as a chronic text-messager of cracks to his teammates.

"It's good to know he hasn't lost his sense of humor," said his mother, who saw her son for the first time in about 3 1/2 years in court this past week. "He always had a great one."

The season threatened to go on tilt when he returned from the shoulder injury - an injury he still needs repaired by surgery, his attorney said - and found little or no ice time. Frost was angry, almost going public with his complaint, a move that could have frustrated the franchise. Danton was counseled by teammates, mainly Johnson, to bide his time, be patient and "not selfish," as Danton said in the playoffs.

He heeded the advice, and he returned to the lineup. He played well enough to assure the Blues would qualify him when his contract runs out at the end of June and retain his rights for next season. The Blues may still; no decision is needed until June 30. Three days after he peaked with his first career NHL playoff goal, he was arrested for allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot to kill Frost, the prosecution asserts.

Days after reaching the peak of his fledgling NHL career, he was in jail, with his mental state questioned by family and friends and his future unclear.

"His personality, that's what I don't want him to lose," Frost said. "This is not a criminal. This is a kid who was scared and didn't know where to turn. He's just a good kid and once he gets the help he needs he will be all right."

[talkingcanes]

the last sentence in this article is the biggest crock of bull.... (from the person saying it at least.)


Seeking Mike Danton
By Derrick Goold
Of the Post-Dispatch
05/08/2004

While accounts of the beleaguered Blue's life differ, friends and family do agree about Mike Danton when it coms to his work ethic, sense of humor and lifelong dream of playing hockey.
(Donna McWilliam/AP)

Mike Danton had to move fast. If he was going to pull this joke off, timing was essential.

The first things first: He got to the hotel room before his roommate. He had to squirrel his luggage away in a closet and then look for a place to hide. Behind the television cabinet, maybe. In the closet with his stuff, maybe. He had to find a nook quickly and then wait for the precise comic time.

Ryan Johnson would be there any second.

"He would hide his stuff so when I got to the room it would be like no one was there, like I got there first," said Johnson, Danton's road roommate during his first season with the Blues. "And then he would come flying out from the closet, from behind the TV, somewhere. He got me good a few times, then I got smart to what he would do.

"He had this great sense of humor. He could be very lighthearted."

As Danton, 23, remains jailed awaiting his trial on murder-for-hire charges, it has been revealed that he was well-practiced in hiding more than just himself. In a statement made from jail Friday evening, Danton described his upbringing, saying "under the circumstances it is important to scratch the surface and share a part of my life that I have hidden for so long." His parents refute the allegations of abuse and neglect Danton made elsewhere in the statement.

Danton's and others' depictions of his youth are integral and debatable parts of who he is, and possibly why he's facing charges for allegedly conspiring to pay to have someone killed. So much of who Danton is or was has been contested; his parents and his agent, Dave Frost, even have different views on how good a student Danton was before meeting Frost.

But there are elements of agreement, and from them a portrait of Danton develops.

His parents, Frost, and past and present teammates laud Danton's toughness and sense of humor, especially when he warms to a group. Frost called him "a goofball." During the season with the Blues, he was particularly playful with his teammates' children. He is insatiably competitive, past coaches and teammates said, and he worked relentlessly on his conditioning and strength. He was frenetically hyperactive as a child, relatives and his agent said.

And, universally, everyone agrees: Danton has always been consumed with hockey.

Before ruling Friday that Danton would be denied bond and held in jail, Magistrate Clifford J. Proud said the probation officers' investigation into Danton revealed someone "wrapped up in ice hockey since he was probably a young man."

"Mike's entire life has revolved around hockey," his father, Stephen Jefferson, said. "You see Mike and he had a hockey stick in his hand."

His aunt, Linda Gebe, said she has a letter Danton signed with a P.S.: "I scored 60 goals" for his atom hockey team. Hockey was "always what he talked about," she said. His mother said she has examples of his schoolboy penmanship practice where he would write over and over how he was going to be an NHL hockey player.

It was a long shot. But Mike made it happen.

"He was on his way to having the next 12 years in the NHL," said Frost, who has been associated with Danton since Danton was 11. As Danton's career moved toward the pros, Frost was his defender, his advocate. He would question Danton's ice time and how he was being used. Once, another client, Sheldon Keefe, also Danton's friend, stopped Frost.

"Sheldon said to me, 'Just forget it. He's playing. The joke's over with Mike,'" Frost said. "He's an NHL player now. He's already proved it. He's going to play. It happened for him. You know, the joke's over."

"Never backed down"

In one of his first games with the Quinte Hawks, a team coached by Frost and infamous for its rugged style of play, Danton - then known as Mike Jefferson - popped out of the penalty box and instantly got into a fight. This was not an isolated incident so the details of this fight have blended with other fights to form an anecdotal alloy, but his friend Shawn Cation remembers two things about that early fight.

First, the crowd loved it and loved Mike for it.

Second, Mike had a Mohawk haircut he thought was way cool.

"Typical Mike," said Cation, who along with Keefe, Jefferson and a couple others formed a nucleus of players that Quinte team still associates with Frost. "The crowd came alive for him. He was always like that. He'd stand up to anybody and never backed down from a challenge."

When Brian Finley, the Barrie Colts goaltender who played two seasons with Danton on that junior team, first saw Mike's frame that now only reaches 5 foot 9 and hefts 191 pounds, he thought: middleweight. Turns out, Mike would take on all comers.

"And he was a better player than we knew, too," said Finley, a Nashville draft pick who now plays for Milwaukee in the American Hockey League. He has no affiliation with Danton, Frost or the Jeffersons. "He was a real tough, tough player. Real dedicated guy, one of the most dedicated I've played with. Even going to high school - I had the whole morning with him - he was jogging to school, every day."

Danton was a live wire before games then, like he was with the Blues this season. His pregame warmups included running dashes wherever he could find room. Several times this season, he asked directions to staircases so he could run some pregame steps. And this, his friends and family say, is calm compared to his youth.

His mother, Sue Jefferson, said he was a "handful" because of his hyperactivity as a kid. His family said he used to bounce off the walls - literally. He would run and slam into the wall, just because. Frost said teams didn't want Danton because he was so wildly unrestrained in the dressing room.

That untamed energy was corralled by hockey.

One of his childhood homes had a backyard that sloped into Professors Lake in Brampton, Ontario. He could dart out the back door and hit the ice in 10 strides, at most. Food had to be brought to him. He "always had to be the last one (to leave)," Stephen Jefferson said.

While much of Frost's role with Danton and the other players in his flock has been called controversial, few doubt Frost's ability to cultivate hockey players, particularly feisty, edgy players. Frost stressed the importance of conditioning and weightlifting. He gave them enticing success.

"I've always been on championship teams," Danton said after his first day on the ice with a few Blues' veterans in September. Danton won an All-Ontario championship in youth hockey and played for the Memorial Cup, the Canadian junior championship. "I'm not used to losing. I absolutely hate losing, can't stand losing," he said.

Several coaches and agents who saw Danton and his teammates in their junior careers said it was clear they were, as one coach said, "on a different page than everybody else." Danton would be told not to fight and on the next shift he would fight. He was the captain of St. Michael's Majors for a while before yielding the "C" to Keefe, but both were traded to Barrie partially because of their on-ice freelancing, management said at the time.

Keefe and Danton - who served as the skilled Keefe's on-ice bodyguard while putting up his own points- powered Barrie to the Memorial Cup. It was at Barrie that Danton earned a reputation for his yapping. Reportedly, he didn't shake the hand of another team's star after a game. Teammates said that was part of Mike's game. His impishness. His competitiveness.

A quick look at his face would tell his teammates how he felt about how he was playing or how the team was playing, Finley said.

He was obsessed with his professed goal: making the NHL.

"As a (14- and 15-year-old), he was just an average player," said Mike McCann, the general manager of Barrie. "He just competed so hard, competed so, so hard. The word 'quit' wasn't in his vocabulary. He's a guy that could be an effective third-line center and he made himself into that."

Said Kevin Abrams, who runs the Pembroke (Ontario) Lumberkings, a youth team owned by Keefe (majority) and Danton (minority): "He beat the odds his whole career. He achieved through sheer determination."

"A second chance"

The Blues explored trading for Danton several times before they actually did. The scrappy forward had worn out his welcome in New Jersey - and vice versa. He had been suspended and had demanded a trade. The Blues knew all this, had been told about concern over how domineering his agent was, but finally worked out a deal last June.

Danton said it was "a second chance" at a career. He was 22.

Blues general manager Larry Pleau told Danton he would talk to him before training camp about what was expected from him. Pleau didn't have that talk. Didn't need to, he said. By the end of camp, Danton had earned a spot on the team and proven "he knew what his role was," Pleau said. After his first informal workout with the team, a veteran asked a reporter: "Can this guy play?" During training camp, the same vet said he answered his own question: Yes.

The Blues learned quickly about him on the ice. Off the ice it took time.

The Blues knew the clippings. They had heard about Danton's verbal fencing with Devils management, his open gripes about playing time. They knew he'd twice been suspended from the team. They slowly met a completely different Danton.

"When I'm on a road trip, I like to have fun, joke around; I'm that kind of roommate," Johnson said. "Initially, when we were first put together he would look at me as if I had 12 heads. Like, 'What kind of guy did I get stuck with?' It took some time and then he opened up."

He started hiding behind things, not always hiding things. He started joking around, especially as a chronic text-messager of cracks to his teammates.

"It's good to know he hasn't lost his sense of humor," said his mother, who saw her son for the first time in about 3 1/2 years in court this past week. "He always had a great one."

The season threatened to go on tilt when he returned from the shoulder injury - an injury he still needs repaired by surgery, his attorney said - and found little or no ice time. Frost was angry, almost going public with his complaint, a move that could have frustrated the franchise. Danton was counseled by teammates, mainly Johnson, to bide his time, be patient and "not selfish," as Danton said in the playoffs.

He heeded the advice, and he returned to the lineup. He played well enough to assure the Blues would qualify him when his contract runs out at the end of June and retain his rights for next season. The Blues may still; no decision is needed until June 30. Three days after he peaked with his first career NHL playoff goal, he was arrested for allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot to kill Frost, the prosecution asserts.

Days after reaching the peak of his fledgling NHL career, he was in jail, with his mental state questioned by family and friends and his future unclear.

"His personality, that's what I don't want him to lose," Frost said. "This is not a criminal. This is a kid who was scared and didn't know where to turn. He's just a good kid and once he gets the help he needs he will be all right."

[nccanes]

Tue, May 11, 2004


Relationship just gets more disturbing

Danton-Frost association boggles mind

By Steve Simmons




The eerie relationship between Mike Danton and David Frost grows more troubling as each day passes and new information is learned. That Danton chose to make well-placed public statements attacking his family and thanking Frost for his support last Friday is quizzical enough.

But the fact that his telephone availability was arranged by Frost, the agent whom Danton is facing federal charges over, accused of plotting to kill on three occasions, is perplexing, chilling and informative all at the very same time.

Frost telephoned St. Louis Post-Dispatch hockey reporter Derrick Goold -- and other selected media outlets -- on Friday asking for a number he would be available at later that night. Then, just as planned, Danton, the former Mike Jefferson, placed a call from prison to Goold, speaking out about his childhood and issues of apparent abuse, accusing his parents and family of neglect, but saying nothing about the indictment case against him, and praising Frost for his support.

COMMENTING FROM PRISON

It should also be known that Danton's St. Louis attorney, Robert Haar, claims he was unaware that his client would be making any kind of public statement. Frost was certainly aware: He had told USA Today a day earlier that Danton would be commenting from prison on his upbringing -- and then followed suit.

The most confounding aspect of the Frost-Danton relationship is the never-changing issue of control. The words Danton spoke on a prison telephone line sounded robotically like Frost speaking himself. The tone and intonation was Frost. The attempt at shifting the story was pure Frost.

And what boggles the mind and makes this entire case so unexplainable is that here is a man, imprisoned and denied bail in a murder-for-hire case, his very life and freedom on the line, and the person he allegedly tried to arrange to kill was seemingly not only managing his public statements but apparently once again taking ownership of Danton's words.

All this came after Frost spent the better part of a week spinning this twisted story in a very different direction. A career chameleon, Frost appeared as a concerned agent when he first learned of Danton's arrest, denied he was the target of a murder-for-hire scheme, made himself unavailable for interviews, left a threatening message on the answering machine of the Jefferson family -- telling them to "shut the f--- up" -- and in the middle of last week began to work the story in his own direction.

Suddenly, there he was, talking to USA Today, doing interviews on St. Louis radio, making himself available to The Associated Press -- spinning, forever spinning, telling anyone and everyone who would listen that Danton was delusional and in need of medical and psychological counselling.

Frost told USA Today that his close relationship with Danton was "almost secretive" and even that is untrue. The Toronto Sun ran a two-page feature on Frost as far back as 1999.

Exactly why Danton, from inside a prison cell, would allow his well-being to be controlled by Frost is further indication of the depth of the complex father-son-coach-controller relationship that apparently exists between the hockey player from Brampton, Ont., and the agent for far too long.

A story involving a Sun Media reporter earlier this season illustrates the very fear of acting on his own that Danton apparently has. The reporter, Terry Koshan, phoned the St. Louis Blues to arrange a telephone interview with Danton, who was playing well at time, just prior to a December game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is routine practice in the relationship between newspapers and professional hockey teams.

The Blues promised that Danton would return the call. He never did. The next day, Koshan's cellphone rang in the afternoon.

Returning a message he never received was David Frost.



One can only hope that when they plead insanity, that the Drs. sent to evaluate him, recommend that Frost be restrained (as SHC suggested) from seeing him. Maybe then someone else will be able to get thru to him.

[nccanes]

Tue, May 11, 2004


Relationship just gets more disturbing

Danton-Frost association boggles mind

By Steve Simmons




The eerie relationship between Mike Danton and David Frost grows more troubling as each day passes and new information is learned. That Danton chose to make well-placed public statements attacking his family and thanking Frost for his support last Friday is quizzical enough.

But the fact that his telephone availability was arranged by Frost, the agent whom Danton is facing federal charges over, accused of plotting to kill on three occasions, is perplexing, chilling and informative all at the very same time.

Frost telephoned St. Louis Post-Dispatch hockey reporter Derrick Goold -- and other selected media outlets -- on Friday asking for a number he would be available at later that night. Then, just as planned, Danton, the former Mike Jefferson, placed a call from prison to Goold, speaking out about his childhood and issues of apparent abuse, accusing his parents and family of neglect, but saying nothing about the indictment case against him, and praising Frost for his support.

COMMENTING FROM PRISON

It should also be known that Danton's St. Louis attorney, Robert Haar, claims he was unaware that his client would be making any kind of public statement. Frost was certainly aware: He had told USA Today a day earlier that Danton would be commenting from prison on his upbringing -- and then followed suit.

The most confounding aspect of the Frost-Danton relationship is the never-changing issue of control. The words Danton spoke on a prison telephone line sounded robotically like Frost speaking himself. The tone and intonation was Frost. The attempt at shifting the story was pure Frost.

And what boggles the mind and makes this entire case so unexplainable is that here is a man, imprisoned and denied bail in a murder-for-hire case, his very life and freedom on the line, and the person he allegedly tried to arrange to kill was seemingly not only managing his public statements but apparently once again taking ownership of Danton's words.

All this came after Frost spent the better part of a week spinning this twisted story in a very different direction. A career chameleon, Frost appeared as a concerned agent when he first learned of Danton's arrest, denied he was the target of a murder-for-hire scheme, made himself unavailable for interviews, left a threatening message on the answering machine of the Jefferson family -- telling them to "shut the f--- up" -- and in the middle of last week began to work the story in his own direction.

Suddenly, there he was, talking to USA Today, doing interviews on St. Louis radio, making himself available to The Associated Press -- spinning, forever spinning, telling anyone and everyone who would listen that Danton was delusional and in need of medical and psychological counselling.

Frost told USA Today that his close relationship with Danton was "almost secretive" and even that is untrue. The Toronto Sun ran a two-page feature on Frost as far back as 1999.

Exactly why Danton, from inside a prison cell, would allow his well-being to be controlled by Frost is further indication of the depth of the complex father-son-coach-controller relationship that apparently exists between the hockey player from Brampton, Ont., and the agent for far too long.

A story involving a Sun Media reporter earlier this season illustrates the very fear of acting on his own that Danton apparently has. The reporter, Terry Koshan, phoned the St. Louis Blues to arrange a telephone interview with Danton, who was playing well at time, just prior to a December game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is routine practice in the relationship between newspapers and professional hockey teams.

The Blues promised that Danton would return the call. He never did. The next day, Koshan's cellphone rang in the afternoon.

Returning a message he never received was David Frost.



One can only hope that when they plead insanity, that the Drs. sent to evaluate him, recommend that Frost be restrained (as SHC suggested) from seeing him. Maybe then someone else will be able to get thru to him.

[Alicia]

Why, with Frost being the intended target, are they still allowing contact with Danton? :crazy:

[Alicia]

Why, with Frost being the intended target, are they still allowing contact with Danton? :crazy:

[RIO]

Why, with Frost being the intended target, are they still allowing contact with Danton? :crazy:

Seriously!! Work THAT one out! :-\

[RIO]

Why, with Frost being the intended target, are they still allowing contact with Danton? :crazy:

Seriously!! Work THAT one out! :-\

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Lawyer files new motion to move Danton
TSN.ca Staff with St. Louis Post Dispatch files
5/12/2004

The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that Mike Danton's attorney Robert Haar is trying again to get the St. Louis Blues player moved from jail to a secure medical facility to be evaluated for possible psychological, medical or addiction problems.

The paper reports that Haar filed papers Tuesday seeking to have Danton's detention order revoked or amended.

Haar wants a second opinion from another federal judge after U.S. Magistrate Judge Clifford J. Proud ordered Danton jailed until trial at a bond hearing Friday. Citing a conversation between Danton and his alleged target, Haar said the conversation showed why Danton needs evaluation and treatment.

The written motion provides Haar with the opportunity to cite legal precedents that he believes show that Danton has been unfairly detained. The Post Dispatch also reports he noted that Danton's alleged accomplice, Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, is out on bond.

Danton, 23, is charged with two counts arising from an alleged murder-for-hire scheme.

Federal prosceutors said Friday that Danton plotted to kill his agent David Frost for at least six months and tried at least three times to hire a hit man.

Frost has continued to deny that he was the person Danton wanted killed.

Hopefully this is at least part of the bearing out of the idea that Frost needs to be kept away from Danton!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Lawyer files new motion to move Danton
TSN.ca Staff with St. Louis Post Dispatch files
5/12/2004

The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that Mike Danton's attorney Robert Haar is trying again to get the St. Louis Blues player moved from jail to a secure medical facility to be evaluated for possible psychological, medical or addiction problems.

The paper reports that Haar filed papers Tuesday seeking to have Danton's detention order revoked or amended.

Haar wants a second opinion from another federal judge after U.S. Magistrate Judge Clifford J. Proud ordered Danton jailed until trial at a bond hearing Friday. Citing a conversation between Danton and his alleged target, Haar said the conversation showed why Danton needs evaluation and treatment.

The written motion provides Haar with the opportunity to cite legal precedents that he believes show that Danton has been unfairly detained. The Post Dispatch also reports he noted that Danton's alleged accomplice, Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, is out on bond.

Danton, 23, is charged with two counts arising from an alleged murder-for-hire scheme.

Federal prosceutors said Friday that Danton plotted to kill his agent David Frost for at least six months and tried at least three times to hire a hit man.

Frost has continued to deny that he was the person Danton wanted killed.

Hopefully this is at least part of the bearing out of the idea that Frost needs to be kept away from Danton!!

[tommy]

Okay, I need a basic overview... I never really followed this whole situation, and I am WAAY confused... would someone mind giving a brief summary of events, because for example, someone asked me today what was going on with the whole situation (I'm definitely known as a hockey fan), and I couldn't really explain it to them very well...

[tommy]

Okay, I need a basic overview... I never really followed this whole situation, and I am WAAY confused... would someone mind giving a brief summary of events, because for example, someone asked me today what was going on with the whole situation (I'm definitely known as a hockey fan), and I couldn't really explain it to them very well...

[e2ipiand1]

Just read the articles contained in this post and you will understand the whole sordid mess.

[e2ipiand1]

Just read the articles contained in this post and you will understand the whole sordid mess.

[nccanes]

Everything is in this thead (when you have time to read it), but I'll give it a whirl:

Danton asks little 19 year old girl to help him hire a hit man to kill someone

19 year old asks a 20-something guy to do it

20-something guy works as an intern for the 911 dispatcher's office (19 year old knew this) and tells the police

police record conversation between 20-something and Danton about the specifics of who to kill and when

Danton is arrested at the San Jose airport after the Sharks eliminate the Blues

Danton says he wanted to kill the person ('til now unidentified) because he was afraid he'd tell the Blues about his "promiscuity and use of alcohol"

It is leaked that the target is Frost, Danton's agent, and the only person in Danton's life he has trusted since he was very young and in the 3 years since he became estranged from his family and changed his name

Frost claims that Danton didn't intend to kill him, he wasn't a target, yadda, yadda, and that he had planned to get him help after the season, etc. Talks about abuse of drugs/painkillers and his paranoia and that he's just a confused young man.

Danton calls the local newspaper (arranged by Frost) to trash his family w/o his lawyer's knowledge

Really, the articles we've all posted have the details in what is an extremely bizarre situation.

[nccanes]

Everything is in this thead (when you have time to read it), but I'll give it a whirl:

Danton asks little 19 year old girl to help him hire a hit man to kill someone

19 year old asks a 20-something guy to do it

20-something guy works as an intern for the 911 dispatcher's office (19 year old knew this) and tells the police

police record conversation between 20-something and Danton about the specifics of who to kill and when

Danton is arrested at the San Jose airport after the Sharks eliminate the Blues

Danton says he wanted to kill the person ('til now unidentified) because he was afraid he'd tell the Blues about his "promiscuity and use of alcohol"

It is leaked that the target is Frost, Danton's agent, and the only person in Danton's life he has trusted since he was very young and in the 3 years since he became estranged from his family and changed his name

Frost claims that Danton didn't intend to kill him, he wasn't a target, yadda, yadda, and that he had planned to get him help after the season, etc. Talks about abuse of drugs/painkillers and his paranoia and that he's just a confused young man.

Danton calls the local newspaper (arranged by Frost) to trash his family w/o his lawyer's knowledge

Really, the articles we've all posted have the details in what is an extremely bizarre situation.

[tommy]

Thanks a bunch nccanes... eventually I will get to the articles, but it's that whole attention span thing that gets me every time.

[tommy]

Thanks a bunch nccanes... eventually I will get to the articles, but it's that whole attention span thing that gets me every time.

[nccanes]

Thank God!

Judge bars Danton from contacting Frost
Associated Press
5/14/2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton, accused by federal prosecutors of trying to hire a hit man, must refrain from talking with the man prosecutors say he wanted dead.

U.S. District Judge Michael Reagan ordered that no contact take place between Danton and his agent, David Frost, but said at a Friday status conference that Frost's family may continue to contact and visit the hockey player.

"Your best friends now are your attorneys," Reagan said. "It's best to keep your mouth shut."

Prosecutors had asked that Danton have "no communication, no intimidation, orally, in person or in writing" with Frost, who may be a witness at Danton's trial, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark.

A federal complaint alleges that Danton and 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer, of the St. Louis suburb of Florissant, conspired to arrange a hit April 14 at Danton's apartment in Brentwood, Mo. It says that Wolfmeyer, at Danton's urging, contacted a man they thought would kill Frost; instead, the man went to Columbia, Ill., police, who informed the FBI.

Danton pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier this month.

Danton's lawyer, Robert Haar, told the judge the circumstances of his client's relationship with Frost were very unusual. Frost is Danton's agent, handling his personal affairs, but Danton regards Frost and his family as the only family he has.

In a statement read from jail last week to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Danton said he suffered both emotional and physical abuse during his childhood - allegations which his parents and family friends have disputed. In the statement, Danton thanked Frost, his friends and the St. Louis Blues organization and players before he criticized his family.

Danton grew up Mike Jefferson, but legally changed his name two years ago.

Reagan's order does allow contact between Danton and Frost on business matters, but Haar must serve an intermediary. Danton also is barred during his contacts with Frost's family from speaking about the case.

The FBI criminal complaint said Danton was concerned that his intended target, now identified as Frost, planned to go to the Blues with information that could damage his career. Frost has said he urged Danton to get help for his use of painkillers and sleeping pills and his erratic behaviour.

Also at Friday's conference, Haar asked for permission to have a psychologist visit with Danton in jail to conduct an evaluation; Reagan said he would consider the request.

Earlier this week, Danton's lawyers asked the judge to review a magistrate's earlier decision to hold their client in an Illinois jail while he awaits trial. Among other things, the motion says a 40-minute government tape illustrates the urgency of Danton's need for psychological help that he is not getting in jail.

In the tape, Danton sobs and begs for help, expresses thoughts of suicide, and says "I can't go on," "I can't do this anymore," and "I'm sick in the head."

A hearing on that motion is scheduled for May 21 before Reagan.

[nccanes]

Thank God!

Judge bars Danton from contacting Frost
Associated Press
5/14/2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton, accused by federal prosecutors of trying to hire a hit man, must refrain from talking with the man prosecutors say he wanted dead.

U.S. District Judge Michael Reagan ordered that no contact take place between Danton and his agent, David Frost, but said at a Friday status conference that Frost's family may continue to contact and visit the hockey player.

"Your best friends now are your attorneys," Reagan said. "It's best to keep your mouth shut."

Prosecutors had asked that Danton have "no communication, no intimidation, orally, in person or in writing" with Frost, who may be a witness at Danton's trial, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark.

A federal complaint alleges that Danton and 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer, of the St. Louis suburb of Florissant, conspired to arrange a hit April 14 at Danton's apartment in Brentwood, Mo. It says that Wolfmeyer, at Danton's urging, contacted a man they thought would kill Frost; instead, the man went to Columbia, Ill., police, who informed the FBI.

Danton pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier this month.

Danton's lawyer, Robert Haar, told the judge the circumstances of his client's relationship with Frost were very unusual. Frost is Danton's agent, handling his personal affairs, but Danton regards Frost and his family as the only family he has.

In a statement read from jail last week to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Danton said he suffered both emotional and physical abuse during his childhood - allegations which his parents and family friends have disputed. In the statement, Danton thanked Frost, his friends and the St. Louis Blues organization and players before he criticized his family.

Danton grew up Mike Jefferson, but legally changed his name two years ago.

Reagan's order does allow contact between Danton and Frost on business matters, but Haar must serve an intermediary. Danton also is barred during his contacts with Frost's family from speaking about the case.

The FBI criminal complaint said Danton was concerned that his intended target, now identified as Frost, planned to go to the Blues with information that could damage his career. Frost has said he urged Danton to get help for his use of painkillers and sleeping pills and his erratic behaviour.

Also at Friday's conference, Haar asked for permission to have a psychologist visit with Danton in jail to conduct an evaluation; Reagan said he would consider the request.

Earlier this week, Danton's lawyers asked the judge to review a magistrate's earlier decision to hold their client in an Illinois jail while he awaits trial. Among other things, the motion says a 40-minute government tape illustrates the urgency of Danton's need for psychological help that he is not getting in jail.

In the tape, Danton sobs and begs for help, expresses thoughts of suicide, and says "I can't go on," "I can't do this anymore," and "I'm sick in the head."

A hearing on that motion is scheduled for May 21 before Reagan.

[Captain Slack]

That's a step in the right direction! I hope they give Mike a good psychological eval. He needs help really, really bad... :sad:

[Captain Slack]

That's a step in the right direction! I hope they give Mike a good psychological eval. He needs help really, really bad... :sad:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

FINALLY!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

FINALLY!!!

[Alicia]

FINALLY!!!

Ditto!

[Alicia]

FINALLY!!!

Ditto!

[talkingcanes]

Prosecutors had asked that Danton have "no communication, no intimidation, orally, in person or in writing" with Frost, who may be a witness at Danton's trial, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark.

I certainly don't think Danton is the intimidator in this relationship. Regardless of the reason, I'm glad someone finally made this decision. I don't think Frost's family should be allowed to visit either. I think he need to go cold turkey from all of the Frosts and be allowed psychiatric intervention.

[talkingcanes]

Prosecutors had asked that Danton have "no communication, no intimidation, orally, in person or in writing" with Frost, who may be a witness at Danton's trial, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark.

I certainly don't think Danton is the intimidator in this relationship. Regardless of the reason, I'm glad someone finally made this decision. I don't think Frost's family should be allowed to visit either. I think he need to go cold turkey from all of the Frosts and be allowed psychiatric intervention.

[nccanes]

I wondered about that too TC. I realize that the guy has no interest in support from his real family at this point, but it seems like the Blues mgmt and players would be able to offer some support.

Thank goodness it was the prosecution that asked for this rather than Danton's attorney - he probably would have fired him.

[nccanes]

I wondered about that too TC. I realize that the guy has no interest in support from his real family at this point, but it seems like the Blues mgmt and players would be able to offer some support.

Thank goodness it was the prosecution that asked for this rather than Danton's attorney - he probably would have fired him.

[nccanes]

Despite Mike not speaking to his parents for over 2 years, apparently Frost thinks his father has drug and alcohol problems.

Radio station's reporting dives deeper into Frost-Danton case
By WILLIAM HOUSTON
UPDATED AT 7:06 AM EDT Wednesday, May. 19, 2004

Some good reporting by Mojo Radio in Toronto produced news yesterday and, in doing so, gave us a further glimpse into the strange world of hockey agent David Frost.

Frost has been identified as the target in a murder-for-hire charge against his client Mike Danton of the St. Louis Blues. But on Mojo, Frost turned the story around to make Danton's father, Steve Jefferson, a target. Frost not only reiterated allegations that Jefferson emotionally abused his son, but also raised unsubstantiated allegations that Jefferson had a drug and alcohol problem.

Frost went on say - again, without any substantiation - that Danton was afraid of his father.

The reference to Jefferson having a drug and alcohol problem is a new charge, but hardly reliable. Those who know or have met Jefferson describe him as an ordinary blue-collar father, one who has become estranged from his son. Moreover, Jefferson seems to have a good relationship with his younger son, Tom Jefferson, a teenaged hockey player.

"Steve Jefferson is a very modest, straightforward guy," said Mojo's Bill Watters, who interviewed Jefferson on Monday and then Frost yesterday.

The Globe and Mail's Christie Blatchford, author of a long piece on the Danton case in Monday's paper, also appeared on the show and said the Jeffersons struck her as a normal family.

Media reports, on the other hand, have portrayed Frost as manipulative and controlling, an influential figure who turned Danton against his mother and father.

The interviews, conducted by Watters and Leafs Lunch co-host Jeff Marek, were not hard-hitting, but it's unlikely any level of interrogation could clarify this mess.

"If you've got one guy saying the other's lying, what do you do?" asked Watters. "Do you pick Frost or Jefferson? I don't know how you'll ever find out the truth.'' Which way does Watters lean? Late in the show when he was talking to Blatchford about Frost, he said, "This guy's got a pathological problem.''

Watters wasn't specific about how Mojo was able to get the interviews, but this much we know: Tom Jefferson is represented by Watters's friend Bobby Orr, the hockey agent and retired superstar. That probably helped deliver Steve Jefferson to the show. Frost went on a day later.




Here is the link to the long Globe and Mail article that is mentioned above.

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040516.xblatchford0517/BNStory/Sports/

Danton will have visits with psychologist
05/17/2004


A federal judge in East St. Louis on Monday approved a request to have Blues hockey player Mike Danton meet with a psychologist at the Clinton County Jail in Carlyle for one two-hour visit a week.

The lawyer defending Danton, who has been held since April 16 on federal charges that he tried to arrange the murder of his agent, wants his client's mental condition evaluated before trial.

The defense also is seeking the release of Danton, 23, a Canadian who has a home in Brentwood, to a secure medical facility. A judge is expected to hear arguments on Friday.

[nccanes]

Despite Mike not speaking to his parents for over 2 years, apparently Frost thinks his father has drug and alcohol problems.

Radio station's reporting dives deeper into Frost-Danton case
By WILLIAM HOUSTON
UPDATED AT 7:06 AM EDT Wednesday, May. 19, 2004

Some good reporting by Mojo Radio in Toronto produced news yesterday and, in doing so, gave us a further glimpse into the strange world of hockey agent David Frost.

Frost has been identified as the target in a murder-for-hire charge against his client Mike Danton of the St. Louis Blues. But on Mojo, Frost turned the story around to make Danton's father, Steve Jefferson, a target. Frost not only reiterated allegations that Jefferson emotionally abused his son, but also raised unsubstantiated allegations that Jefferson had a drug and alcohol problem.

Frost went on say - again, without any substantiation - that Danton was afraid of his father.

The reference to Jefferson having a drug and alcohol problem is a new charge, but hardly reliable. Those who know or have met Jefferson describe him as an ordinary blue-collar father, one who has become estranged from his son. Moreover, Jefferson seems to have a good relationship with his younger son, Tom Jefferson, a teenaged hockey player.

"Steve Jefferson is a very modest, straightforward guy," said Mojo's Bill Watters, who interviewed Jefferson on Monday and then Frost yesterday.

The Globe and Mail's Christie Blatchford, author of a long piece on the Danton case in Monday's paper, also appeared on the show and said the Jeffersons struck her as a normal family.

Media reports, on the other hand, have portrayed Frost as manipulative and controlling, an influential figure who turned Danton against his mother and father.

The interviews, conducted by Watters and Leafs Lunch co-host Jeff Marek, were not hard-hitting, but it's unlikely any level of interrogation could clarify this mess.

"If you've got one guy saying the other's lying, what do you do?" asked Watters. "Do you pick Frost or Jefferson? I don't know how you'll ever find out the truth.'' Which way does Watters lean? Late in the show when he was talking to Blatchford about Frost, he said, "This guy's got a pathological problem.''

Watters wasn't specific about how Mojo was able to get the interviews, but this much we know: Tom Jefferson is represented by Watters's friend Bobby Orr, the hockey agent and retired superstar. That probably helped deliver Steve Jefferson to the show. Frost went on a day later.




Here is the link to the long Globe and Mail article that is mentioned above.

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040516.xblatchford0517/BNStory/Sports/

Danton will have visits with psychologist
05/17/2004


A federal judge in East St. Louis on Monday approved a request to have Blues hockey player Mike Danton meet with a psychologist at the Clinton County Jail in Carlyle for one two-hour visit a week.

The lawyer defending Danton, who has been held since April 16 on federal charges that he tried to arrange the murder of his agent, wants his client's mental condition evaluated before trial.

The defense also is seeking the release of Danton, 23, a Canadian who has a home in Brentwood, to a secure medical facility. A judge is expected to hear arguments on Friday.

[Alicia]

Thursday, May 20, 2004


Associated Press
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton was "too cowardly" to kill his agent himself, instead enlisting the help of a teenage fan and lover before the scheme unraveled, a prosecutor alleges.





In a sharply worded brief seeking to keep Danton behind bars, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark also expressed concern that Danton, if freed, could continue seeking to have agent David Frost killed.



"His attempts to have Frost murdered on prior occasions evidence an ebb and flow of desire," Clark wrote. "If he is released, it is possible that he will again attempt to have Frost murdered, apparently depending on how his relationship with Frost fares in the future."



Danton's attorney, Bob Haar, did not return messages Thursday.



A federal judge could decide during a hearing Friday whether Danton gets released on bond pending trial. Danton has been jailed since his arrest April 16.



Clark called Danton's flight risk "substantial," saying the athlete presumably has the cash to easily slip into his native Canada.



Danton is accused of conspiring with 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer to arrange a hit April 14 at Danton's apartment in Brentwood, Mo. Authorities say the man they tried to hire to kill Frost went to Columbia, Ill., police, who informed the FBI.



"Too cowardly to commit the murder himself, Danton enlisted the help of a teenager to arrange the murder," Clark wrote, describing Wolfmeyer as a "fan and occasional lover of Danton."



Danton and Wolfmeyer have pleaded innocent.



The FBI says Danton was concerned that his intended target planned to go to the Blues with information that could damage his career. Frost has said he urged Danton to get help for his use of painkillers and sleeping pills and his erratic behavior.

[Alicia]

Thursday, May 20, 2004


Associated Press
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton was "too cowardly" to kill his agent himself, instead enlisting the help of a teenage fan and lover before the scheme unraveled, a prosecutor alleges.





In a sharply worded brief seeking to keep Danton behind bars, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark also expressed concern that Danton, if freed, could continue seeking to have agent David Frost killed.



"His attempts to have Frost murdered on prior occasions evidence an ebb and flow of desire," Clark wrote. "If he is released, it is possible that he will again attempt to have Frost murdered, apparently depending on how his relationship with Frost fares in the future."



Danton's attorney, Bob Haar, did not return messages Thursday.



A federal judge could decide during a hearing Friday whether Danton gets released on bond pending trial. Danton has been jailed since his arrest April 16.



Clark called Danton's flight risk "substantial," saying the athlete presumably has the cash to easily slip into his native Canada.



Danton is accused of conspiring with 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer to arrange a hit April 14 at Danton's apartment in Brentwood, Mo. Authorities say the man they tried to hire to kill Frost went to Columbia, Ill., police, who informed the FBI.



"Too cowardly to commit the murder himself, Danton enlisted the help of a teenager to arrange the murder," Clark wrote, describing Wolfmeyer as a "fan and occasional lover of Danton."



Danton and Wolfmeyer have pleaded innocent.



The FBI says Danton was concerned that his intended target planned to go to the Blues with information that could damage his career. Frost has said he urged Danton to get help for his use of painkillers and sleeping pills and his erratic behavior.

[nccanes]

Hmmm. Maybe if more people were "cowardly" and enlisted the help of a 19 year old, dumb enough to ask a 911 dispatch intern to help them commit a murder, the world would be a safer place.

[nccanes]

Hmmm. Maybe if more people were "cowardly" and enlisted the help of a 19 year old, dumb enough to ask a 911 dispatch intern to help them commit a murder, the world would be a safer place.

[Fandragon]

Hmmm. Maybe if more people were "cowardly" and enlisted the help of a 19 year old, dumb enough to ask a 911 dispatch intern to help them commit a murder, the world would be a safer place.

Yeah, that bit struck me as odd, too. It's almost as if the prosecutor was less concerned over an attempted murder than he was about the fact that Danton didn't just grab a gun and take out Frost himself. Maybe the prosecutor isn't a fan of Frost, either.

[Fandragon]

Hmmm. Maybe if more people were "cowardly" and enlisted the help of a 19 year old, dumb enough to ask a 911 dispatch intern to help them commit a murder, the world would be a safer place.

Yeah, that bit struck me as odd, too. It's almost as if the prosecutor was less concerned over an attempted murder than he was about the fact that Danton didn't just grab a gun and take out Frost himself. Maybe the prosecutor isn't a fan of Frost, either.

[nccanes]

Yeah, it was just an odd choice of words. I could almost see the 19 year old girl's attorney saying Danton was a coward, but in this context I was thinking "you say it like it's a bad thing".

I guess he really meant that if he got out on bail, he might not be so cowardly next time?

And it's funny (funny peculiar, not funny ha-ha) that Frost has been alleging this whole time that he wasn't a target. He must be pretty confident in his mind control abilities.

[nccanes]

Yeah, it was just an odd choice of words. I could almost see the 19 year old girl's attorney saying Danton was a coward, but in this context I was thinking "you say it like it's a bad thing".

I guess he really meant that if he got out on bail, he might not be so cowardly next time?

And it's funny (funny peculiar, not funny ha-ha) that Frost has been alleging this whole time that he wasn't a target. He must be pretty confident in his mind control abilities.

[RIO]

Look what Charles Manson and Jim Jones accomplished. :crazy:

[RIO]

Look what Charles Manson and Jim Jones accomplished. :crazy:

[nccanes]

Well, it's starting to look like they might be able to dig up some charges against Frost. Wouldn't it be nice for him to serve some time....

Judge orders hockey player to remain jailed on charges he tried to have agent killed

By JIM SALTER, Associated Press Writer
May 21, 2004
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) -- The relationship between St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton and his agent continued through hours of jailhouse conversations after Danton's arrest in an alleged plot to kill the agent, an FBI agent testified Friday.

In fact, the federal judge overseeing Danton's detention hearing Friday indicated the agent, David Frost, himself could face charges of obstructing justice for trying to coach Danton through an insanity defense.

Danton, a 23-year-old forward for the Blues, is accused of persuading acquaintance Katie Wolfmeyer to hire a hitman to kill Frost. The would-be hitman instead went to authorities.

Danton was arrested April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the Blues were eliminated from the playoffs. Wolfmeyer, a 19-year-old college student from suburban St. Louis, also faces murder-for-hire charges.

Danton's attorney, Bob Haar, had asked U.S. District Judge Michael Reagan to overturn a magistrate's ruling and allow Danton's release to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation and treatment of an injured shoulder until his July 20 trial.

But Reagan ordered Danton to remain in jail, saying he was potentially dangerous and a risk to flee.

Danton sat quietly through the four-hour hearing but appeared to blink back tears as his lawyer recounted how Danton had talked of killing himself, and again as the judge announced his decision.

The hearing included audiotapes of messages Danton left with Wolfmeyer; messages and conversations Danton had with two would-be hitmen; and clips from 79 conversations totaling about 1,000 minutes between Danton and Frost from a California jail, where Danton was held for 12 days following his arrest.

At times, the men discussed the allegation that Danton tried to have Frost killed.

``I felt like there was no other way,'' Danton said.

``Are you having those feelings now?'' Frost asked.

``No,'' Danton said.

Frost told Danton he was willing to forgive him, but asked, ``The attempt to hire somebody is awful, what?''

``Stupid,'' Danton answered.

FBI agent John Jimenez testified that Frost, sometimes speaking in code because he knew the conversations were taped, tried to coach Danton to ``act emotional, act insane'' as a way to avoid prison.

Reagan said the tapes ``clearly indicated both Danton and Frost are potential targets for obstruction of justice charges.''

Frost did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Danton's motive for deciding to have Frost killed was at least partly financial, Jimenez testified. Danton apparently owed Frost $25,000; Jimenez said informants told him that Frost had threatened to have Danton injured unless he paid up.

Danton currently faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

[nccanes]

Well, it's starting to look like they might be able to dig up some charges against Frost. Wouldn't it be nice for him to serve some time....

Judge orders hockey player to remain jailed on charges he tried to have agent killed

By JIM SALTER, Associated Press Writer
May 21, 2004
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) -- The relationship between St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton and his agent continued through hours of jailhouse conversations after Danton's arrest in an alleged plot to kill the agent, an FBI agent testified Friday.

In fact, the federal judge overseeing Danton's detention hearing Friday indicated the agent, David Frost, himself could face charges of obstructing justice for trying to coach Danton through an insanity defense.

Danton, a 23-year-old forward for the Blues, is accused of persuading acquaintance Katie Wolfmeyer to hire a hitman to kill Frost. The would-be hitman instead went to authorities.

Danton was arrested April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the Blues were eliminated from the playoffs. Wolfmeyer, a 19-year-old college student from suburban St. Louis, also faces murder-for-hire charges.

Danton's attorney, Bob Haar, had asked U.S. District Judge Michael Reagan to overturn a magistrate's ruling and allow Danton's release to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation and treatment of an injured shoulder until his July 20 trial.

But Reagan ordered Danton to remain in jail, saying he was potentially dangerous and a risk to flee.

Danton sat quietly through the four-hour hearing but appeared to blink back tears as his lawyer recounted how Danton had talked of killing himself, and again as the judge announced his decision.

The hearing included audiotapes of messages Danton left with Wolfmeyer; messages and conversations Danton had with two would-be hitmen; and clips from 79 conversations totaling about 1,000 minutes between Danton and Frost from a California jail, where Danton was held for 12 days following his arrest.

At times, the men discussed the allegation that Danton tried to have Frost killed.

``I felt like there was no other way,'' Danton said.

``Are you having those feelings now?'' Frost asked.

``No,'' Danton said.

Frost told Danton he was willing to forgive him, but asked, ``The attempt to hire somebody is awful, what?''

``Stupid,'' Danton answered.

FBI agent John Jimenez testified that Frost, sometimes speaking in code because he knew the conversations were taped, tried to coach Danton to ``act emotional, act insane'' as a way to avoid prison.

Reagan said the tapes ``clearly indicated both Danton and Frost are potential targets for obstruction of justice charges.''

Frost did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Danton's motive for deciding to have Frost killed was at least partly financial, Jimenez testified. Danton apparently owed Frost $25,000; Jimenez said informants told him that Frost had threatened to have Danton injured unless he paid up.

Danton currently faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

[nccanes]

Anyone know if this is going to end up on Court TV? :eek2:



Danton to remain jailed pending trial

By MICHAEL SHAW and DERRICK GOOLD

St. Louis Post-Dispatch


ST. LOUIS - Hockey agent David Frost and his client, St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton, tried to obstruct justice by concocting a phony insanity defense during hours of jailhouse phone conversations in the days following Danton's arrest, a federal prosecutor said Friday.

After hearing three of 79 recorded conversations between Danton and Frost played at a hearing in East St. Louis, a judge decided to keep Danton jailed pending trial on charges that he conspired to have Frost killed.

"The bombshell that Frost told the press is coming is blowing up in Danton's face," Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark told District Judge Michael J. Reagan in characterizing the calls.

Clark called Danton a "tough guy on the ice" and "coward off the ice," and accused him of "hiding behind" the skirt of his alleged 19-year-old accomplice, Katie Wolfmeyer.

Authorities declined to say whether charges will be filed against Frost, or more against Danton. But there was an indication that a grand jury is still looking into the case.

The only issue Friday was whether Danton's release on bond would pose a flight risk or a danger. Defense lawyer Robert Haar failed in an effort to get Danton moved to a secure medical facility for psychological and physical evaluation.

Unaware that prosecutors had CDs of jailhouse conversations - let alone that officials planned to play them Friday - Haar argued the recordings had no place at the hearing. But prosecutors presented hours of testimony from FBI Special Agent John Jimenez, and several recordings, which Judge Reagan allowed over Haar's relentless objections.

FBI agents obtained more than 16 hours of phone recordings from the jail in Santa Clara County, Calif., where Danton was held after his arrest April 16 following the Blues' season closer in San Jose. The "collect" calls were placed over a 12-day period to a number at a location in Orange County, Calif., where Frost was staying.

Clark played two 15-minute calls from April 19. In them, Frost told Danton he would face seven to 10 years in prison if he didn't convince doctors that he's mentally unstable.

"When that process starts, you've got to be good," Frost said of Danton's visits with a hockey league psychiatrist. Later, Frost said, "It's not an option to go to court. If we go to court, you are (expletive) done. Are we clear? ... As long as you understand there is one way and one way only and that's psychiatric treatment."

Frost also told Danton to "tell the truth," and that counseling is "the only way out (and) it's going to work because you really do need it."

Authorities insist that Frost knew he was the target of Danton's murder-for-hire plot, yet Frost tried to comfort Danton in these calls while pumping him for information – including information about what the FBI has said were two other plans by Danton to kill Frost.

Frost grilled Danton in one recording about giving Frost's photo to someone, who the FBI has said was another potential hit man. They are heard talking about how to handle the implications of that, with Frost suggesting they say it was to identify Frost to keep him from being "nailed in the crossfire." There was no was no explanation in court of why there would be any shooting at all.

Frost is heard making halting attempts to speak in code, which Danton often failed to understand. Frost referred to himself as the "Young Nat coach," an obvious reference to Frost coaching Danton on a youth hockey team known as the Toronto Young Nationals. Frost pressed Danton several times on why he wanted the `Nat coach' killed.

"God, you must've wanted that `Nat guy' gone, huh?" Frost asked, followed by a long pause. "Did you?"

"No," Danton responded meekly.

They later spoke of "Pascal," which authorities believe is a reference to Danton teammate Pascal Rheaume, who wore jersey No. 25. Jimenez said that was believed to be a reference to $25,000 that authorities claim Frost demanded from Danton. The money is one possible motive for murder, Jimenez said, among the others suggested so far in the case.

Haar, Danton's lawyer, said he heard nothing in those recordings suggesting Danton had obstructed justice.

"Mr. Frost is the dominant person in this relationship," Haar told the judge. "Mr. Frost is the one directing that things be done."

Other than to say that there's no debt owed to him from Danton, Frost referred questions to his lawyer, Barry Short of St. Louis.

"David Frost has not obstructed justice in any fashion," said Short, who was hired before Frost appeared before the grand jury last month. "I have no knowledge that any charges will be filed."

Besides the jailhouse phone calls, authorities played recordings of voice mail messages Danton left for Wolfmeyer and a potential hit man from an alleged earlier attempt to have Frost killed.

Based on this new evidence, Clark recalculated Danton's maximum penalty at about 24 years in prison, if convicted. That's more than twice the original estimate, inflated under federal sentencing rules by the obstruction of justice allegations and claims that Danton was ringleader of a conspiracy that included at least four others.

Those four would include Wolfmeyer, of Florissant, who faces the same charges as Danton, the hit man she allegedly tried to hire, who turned the plot in to the FBI, and two confidential witnesses who both told the FBI that Danton wanted them to kill Frost.

Authorities are apparently still gathering evidence in the case. Agent Jimenez said he interviewed Danton's teammate, Ryan Johnson, two days ago, shortly before Johnson testified before a grand jury in East St. Louis.

Before concluding the hearing, Judge Reagan again admonished Danton not to speak about his case to anyone but his lawyers. Despite Haar's concern that Danton may be suicidal and "emotionally isolated," the judge prohibited Danton from speaking with what has been his support group: Frost's family or another Frost client, Danton's best friend Sheldon Keefe. The judge had already barred Danton from direct contact with Frost.

"With clear and convincing evidence, the government established that the defendant may have engaged in obstruction of justice," Reagan said. "Both Danton and Frost are potential targets for a conspiracy charge for obstruction of justice for manufacturing of a defense and manufacturing of evidence."

[nccanes]

Anyone know if this is going to end up on Court TV? :eek2:



Danton to remain jailed pending trial

By MICHAEL SHAW and DERRICK GOOLD

St. Louis Post-Dispatch


ST. LOUIS - Hockey agent David Frost and his client, St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton, tried to obstruct justice by concocting a phony insanity defense during hours of jailhouse phone conversations in the days following Danton's arrest, a federal prosecutor said Friday.

After hearing three of 79 recorded conversations between Danton and Frost played at a hearing in East St. Louis, a judge decided to keep Danton jailed pending trial on charges that he conspired to have Frost killed.

"The bombshell that Frost told the press is coming is blowing up in Danton's face," Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark told District Judge Michael J. Reagan in characterizing the calls.

Clark called Danton a "tough guy on the ice" and "coward off the ice," and accused him of "hiding behind" the skirt of his alleged 19-year-old accomplice, Katie Wolfmeyer.

Authorities declined to say whether charges will be filed against Frost, or more against Danton. But there was an indication that a grand jury is still looking into the case.

The only issue Friday was whether Danton's release on bond would pose a flight risk or a danger. Defense lawyer Robert Haar failed in an effort to get Danton moved to a secure medical facility for psychological and physical evaluation.

Unaware that prosecutors had CDs of jailhouse conversations - let alone that officials planned to play them Friday - Haar argued the recordings had no place at the hearing. But prosecutors presented hours of testimony from FBI Special Agent John Jimenez, and several recordings, which Judge Reagan allowed over Haar's relentless objections.

FBI agents obtained more than 16 hours of phone recordings from the jail in Santa Clara County, Calif., where Danton was held after his arrest April 16 following the Blues' season closer in San Jose. The "collect" calls were placed over a 12-day period to a number at a location in Orange County, Calif., where Frost was staying.

Clark played two 15-minute calls from April 19. In them, Frost told Danton he would face seven to 10 years in prison if he didn't convince doctors that he's mentally unstable.

"When that process starts, you've got to be good," Frost said of Danton's visits with a hockey league psychiatrist. Later, Frost said, "It's not an option to go to court. If we go to court, you are (expletive) done. Are we clear? ... As long as you understand there is one way and one way only and that's psychiatric treatment."

Frost also told Danton to "tell the truth," and that counseling is "the only way out (and) it's going to work because you really do need it."

Authorities insist that Frost knew he was the target of Danton's murder-for-hire plot, yet Frost tried to comfort Danton in these calls while pumping him for information – including information about what the FBI has said were two other plans by Danton to kill Frost.

Frost grilled Danton in one recording about giving Frost's photo to someone, who the FBI has said was another potential hit man. They are heard talking about how to handle the implications of that, with Frost suggesting they say it was to identify Frost to keep him from being "nailed in the crossfire." There was no was no explanation in court of why there would be any shooting at all.

Frost is heard making halting attempts to speak in code, which Danton often failed to understand. Frost referred to himself as the "Young Nat coach," an obvious reference to Frost coaching Danton on a youth hockey team known as the Toronto Young Nationals. Frost pressed Danton several times on why he wanted the `Nat coach' killed.

"God, you must've wanted that `Nat guy' gone, huh?" Frost asked, followed by a long pause. "Did you?"

"No," Danton responded meekly.

They later spoke of "Pascal," which authorities believe is a reference to Danton teammate Pascal Rheaume, who wore jersey No. 25. Jimenez said that was believed to be a reference to $25,000 that authorities claim Frost demanded from Danton. The money is one possible motive for murder, Jimenez said, among the others suggested so far in the case.

Haar, Danton's lawyer, said he heard nothing in those recordings suggesting Danton had obstructed justice.

"Mr. Frost is the dominant person in this relationship," Haar told the judge. "Mr. Frost is the one directing that things be done."

Other than to say that there's no debt owed to him from Danton, Frost referred questions to his lawyer, Barry Short of St. Louis.

"David Frost has not obstructed justice in any fashion," said Short, who was hired before Frost appeared before the grand jury last month. "I have no knowledge that any charges will be filed."

Besides the jailhouse phone calls, authorities played recordings of voice mail messages Danton left for Wolfmeyer and a potential hit man from an alleged earlier attempt to have Frost killed.

Based on this new evidence, Clark recalculated Danton's maximum penalty at about 24 years in prison, if convicted. That's more than twice the original estimate, inflated under federal sentencing rules by the obstruction of justice allegations and claims that Danton was ringleader of a conspiracy that included at least four others.

Those four would include Wolfmeyer, of Florissant, who faces the same charges as Danton, the hit man she allegedly tried to hire, who turned the plot in to the FBI, and two confidential witnesses who both told the FBI that Danton wanted them to kill Frost.

Authorities are apparently still gathering evidence in the case. Agent Jimenez said he interviewed Danton's teammate, Ryan Johnson, two days ago, shortly before Johnson testified before a grand jury in East St. Louis.

Before concluding the hearing, Judge Reagan again admonished Danton not to speak about his case to anyone but his lawyers. Despite Haar's concern that Danton may be suicidal and "emotionally isolated," the judge prohibited Danton from speaking with what has been his support group: Frost's family or another Frost client, Danton's best friend Sheldon Keefe. The judge had already barred Danton from direct contact with Frost.

"With clear and convincing evidence, the government established that the defendant may have engaged in obstruction of justice," Reagan said. "Both Danton and Frost are potential targets for a conspiracy charge for obstruction of justice for manufacturing of a defense and manufacturing of evidence."

[Alicia]

Tuesday, May 25, 2004


Associated Press
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- Mike Danton wants a venue change in his murder-for-hire trial, questioning his chances of getting unbiased jurors in the area where he played for the St. Louis Blues.


His lawyers also have asked the judge to bar as evidence any of Danton's recorded phone calls after his arrest. That would include jailhouse talks with agent David Frost, whom Danton allegedly tried to have killed.


Danton also seeks to keep prosecutors from using evidence found at his suburban St. Louis apartment April 16, the day he was arrested.


The audiotapes in question include Danton's messages with co-defendant Katie Wolfmeyer; his messages and talks with two would-be hit men; and clips from 79 conversations totaling about 1,000 minutes between Danton and Frost from a California jail, where Danton was held for 12 days after his arrest.


Those conversations played a key role in a four-hour hearing Friday when Judge Michael Reagan ordered Danton to remain jailed in Illinois pending his July trial, dashing defense bids that he be sent for outside psychiatric help.


If the motion for the venue change is rejected, Danton attorney Robert Haar argued that he be allowed to quiz would-be jurors to "maximize the possibility of seating an impartial jury."


That motion cited "prejudicial pretrial publicity" in seeking the new venue. Haar did not return telephone messages Tuesday seeking comment about whether a St. Louis-area trial perhaps might work in Danton's favor with jurors who might be Blues fans and sympathetic to him.


Randy Massey, a federal prosecutor, on Tuesday declined to comment on Danton's latest motions. A message left Tuesday with Frost was not returned.


Danton, 23, is accused of persuading Wolfmeyer to hire a hit man to kill Frost. The would-be hit man instead went to authorities, and Danton was arrested in San Jose, Calif., a day after the Blues were eliminated from the playoffs.


If convicted, Danton currently faces up to 10 years in prison.


Wolfmeyer, a 19-year-old college student from suburban St. Louis, also faces murder-for-hire charges. She is free on $100,000 bond, pending trial July 13.


Danton and Wolfmeyer have pleaded not guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark has not said whether Frost would be charged.

[Alicia]

Tuesday, May 25, 2004


Associated Press
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- Mike Danton wants a venue change in his murder-for-hire trial, questioning his chances of getting unbiased jurors in the area where he played for the St. Louis Blues.


His lawyers also have asked the judge to bar as evidence any of Danton's recorded phone calls after his arrest. That would include jailhouse talks with agent David Frost, whom Danton allegedly tried to have killed.


Danton also seeks to keep prosecutors from using evidence found at his suburban St. Louis apartment April 16, the day he was arrested.


The audiotapes in question include Danton's messages with co-defendant Katie Wolfmeyer; his messages and talks with two would-be hit men; and clips from 79 conversations totaling about 1,000 minutes between Danton and Frost from a California jail, where Danton was held for 12 days after his arrest.


Those conversations played a key role in a four-hour hearing Friday when Judge Michael Reagan ordered Danton to remain jailed in Illinois pending his July trial, dashing defense bids that he be sent for outside psychiatric help.


If the motion for the venue change is rejected, Danton attorney Robert Haar argued that he be allowed to quiz would-be jurors to "maximize the possibility of seating an impartial jury."


That motion cited "prejudicial pretrial publicity" in seeking the new venue. Haar did not return telephone messages Tuesday seeking comment about whether a St. Louis-area trial perhaps might work in Danton's favor with jurors who might be Blues fans and sympathetic to him.


Randy Massey, a federal prosecutor, on Tuesday declined to comment on Danton's latest motions. A message left Tuesday with Frost was not returned.


Danton, 23, is accused of persuading Wolfmeyer to hire a hit man to kill Frost. The would-be hit man instead went to authorities, and Danton was arrested in San Jose, Calif., a day after the Blues were eliminated from the playoffs.


If convicted, Danton currently faces up to 10 years in prison.


Wolfmeyer, a 19-year-old college student from suburban St. Louis, also faces murder-for-hire charges. She is free on $100,000 bond, pending trial July 13.


Danton and Wolfmeyer have pleaded not guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark has not said whether Frost would be charged.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

David Frost barred from junior hockey league
WebPosted Thu May 27 19:26:33 2004

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Another door has closed in the face of David Frost.

The controversial hockey agent has been told he can't serve as a coach or in any other capacity for the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Junior A Hockey League. CJHL commissioner Mac MacLean informed the Lumber Kings of his decision on Tuesday.

The league is honouring an indefinite suspension handed Frost by the Greater Toronto Hockey League in the mid-1990s for falsifying a document.

Frost served as an assistant coach for at least three games in March when Kevin Abrams, the Lumber Kings' general manager, head coach and minority owner, was suspended for one game after a brawl in a playoff game.

The matter also illustrates a significant loophole in Hockey Canada's rules regarding coaches, general managers and trainers.

Hockey Canada, which governs the country's amateur ranks, requires players to sign a branch transfer, according to MacLean. The transfer card lists information on any suspensions, which means another league in Canada likely would honour the suspension. However, coaches, general managers and trainers are not required to sign such a card, MacLean said.

"I would have thought Hockey Canada would have learned a lesson from the Graham James case," MacLean said, referring to the junior coach in Alberta who was jailed for sexual abuse. "You and I could be suspended in Ontario, go coach in Alberta or B.C., say nothing, and they have no way of knowing.

"That's wrong. It's something that has to be cleaned up."

Sheldon Keefe, another Frost client, owns the Lumber Kings.

Two weeks ago, Frost was prohibited from contacting St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton, who remains in jail after being accused of plotting to kill Frost, his agent.

Danton, who was named by Keefe as a director of the Lumber Kings, has remained in jail since his arrest on April 16. The government alleges Danton and 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer conspired to arrange a "hit" on Frost at Danton's apartment in Brentwood, Mo. Frost has publicly denied that he was the target of the alleged murder scheme.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

David Frost barred from junior hockey league
WebPosted Thu May 27 19:26:33 2004

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Another door has closed in the face of David Frost.

The controversial hockey agent has been told he can't serve as a coach or in any other capacity for the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Junior A Hockey League. CJHL commissioner Mac MacLean informed the Lumber Kings of his decision on Tuesday.

The league is honouring an indefinite suspension handed Frost by the Greater Toronto Hockey League in the mid-1990s for falsifying a document.

Frost served as an assistant coach for at least three games in March when Kevin Abrams, the Lumber Kings' general manager, head coach and minority owner, was suspended for one game after a brawl in a playoff game.

The matter also illustrates a significant loophole in Hockey Canada's rules regarding coaches, general managers and trainers.

Hockey Canada, which governs the country's amateur ranks, requires players to sign a branch transfer, according to MacLean. The transfer card lists information on any suspensions, which means another league in Canada likely would honour the suspension. However, coaches, general managers and trainers are not required to sign such a card, MacLean said.

"I would have thought Hockey Canada would have learned a lesson from the Graham James case," MacLean said, referring to the junior coach in Alberta who was jailed for sexual abuse. "You and I could be suspended in Ontario, go coach in Alberta or B.C., say nothing, and they have no way of knowing.

"That's wrong. It's something that has to be cleaned up."

Sheldon Keefe, another Frost client, owns the Lumber Kings.

Two weeks ago, Frost was prohibited from contacting St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton, who remains in jail after being accused of plotting to kill Frost, his agent.

Danton, who was named by Keefe as a director of the Lumber Kings, has remained in jail since his arrest on April 16. The government alleges Danton and 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer conspired to arrange a "hit" on Frost at Danton's apartment in Brentwood, Mo. Frost has publicly denied that he was the target of the alleged murder scheme.

[talkingcanes]

David Frost barred from junior hockey league


that seems a bit like closing the barn door after the horse is out.

[talkingcanes]

David Frost barred from junior hockey league


that seems a bit like closing the barn door after the horse is out.

[RIO]

Wasn't he barred once before!?

[RIO]

Wasn't he barred once before!?

[nccanes]

Rio, he was barred from two (if memory serves) leagues previously....

And how shocking, Frost wanted to get Danton a new attorney....allegedgly

Agent launched bid to get Danton a different lawyer
By CHRISTIE BLATCHFORD AND TIM WHARNSBY
Thursday, June 3, 2004 - Page A1

CALGARY -- National Hockey League player agent David Frost contacted most of the members of the St. Louis Blues last month, soliciting money to hire another lawyer for his troubled client Mike Danton.

The Globe and Mail has confirmed that Mr. Frost, who has been identified as the target of Mr. Danton's alleged murder-for-hire plot, sent faxes and left telephone messages for the players, saying in one that he wasn't "asking for $50,000, though that would be nice."

Mr. Frost even approached a high-profile defence lawyer, David Chesnoff of Las Vegas, to ask if he would take on the case -- despite the fact that Mr. Danton was already represented at the time by St. Louis attorney Bob Haar, who was retained shortly after Mr. Danton's arrest April 16.

Mr. Haar couldn't be reached for comment yesterday, nor could Mr. Frost, but Mr. Chesnoff confirmed that he had been contacted by the controversial agent and that he had mentioned setting up a trust fund for donations.

"I told him that Mr. Danton is in great hands," Mr. Chesnoff said, calling Mr. Haar a first-rate lawyer with an impeccable reputation.

None of the Blues players donated money, Globe sources say, but this does not reflect a lack of concern for their 23-year-old teammate. Several players have attended each of his court appearances to show their support for Mr. Danton.

A source close to Mr. Chesnoff said that to the lawyer's knowledge, no funds have been deposited in a trust.

Until ordered by a court not to make contact, Mr. Frost was in constant touch with Mr. Danton, who remains in a Clinton County jail cell awaiting trial on the two conspiracy charges that could see him and Katie Wolfmeyer, the 19-year-old St. Louis teenager accused of being his accomplice, each spend 10 years in prison if convicted.

Sources close to the hockey team told The Globe that about two or three weeks ago Mr. Frost was phoning and faxing the players.

On May 15, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Reagan first forbade Mr. Frost to contact Mr. Danton.

That order, which did allow Mr. Frost's wife and children to talk to the hockey player, was stiffened a week later to ban members of Mr. Frost's family and another of his NHL clients, Sheldon Keefe, as well.

The broader order followed the playing in open court of several recorded conversations between Mr. Frost and Mr. Danton, which prompted prosecutor Stephen Clark to tell Judge Reagan that the two were "conspiring to obstruct justice to conjure up a phony defence" and Mr. Haar to describe Mr. Frost as "the dominant person in this relationship" and the "one directing that things be done."

A spokesman for the assistant U.S. attorney's office said yesterday that no additional charges in the case had been laid.

The revelation of Mr. Frost's latest actions has left Steve Jefferson, Mr. Danton's biological father, dismayed.

Mr. Danton, who has known Mr. Frost since he was a boy of 10 and played for him for years, is estranged from Steve and Sue Jefferson. He legally changed his name from Mike Jefferson to Michael Sage Danton two years ago.

The Jeffersons, who haven't been able to speak to their oldest son or those who are looking out for him now, are near frantic with worry.

Because Mr. Danton is an adult, his lawyer and Brian Shaw, the NHL Players' Association psychologist who has been visiting him in prison, are obliged to follow his directions on any release of information about his situation.

As a result, Mr. Danton's parents and brother Tom are almost completely in the dark about his well-being.

At the May 21 court appearance, Mr. Haar told Judge Reagan that Mr. Danton may be suicidal and has been "emotionally isolated" by the effect of no-contact orders with those who have formed his support group.

Mr. Danton is tentatively to go to trial on July 20, with Ms. Wolfmeyer's trial set to begin a week earlier.

cblatchford@globeandmail.ca

[nccanes]

Rio, he was barred from two (if memory serves) leagues previously....

And how shocking, Frost wanted to get Danton a new attorney....allegedgly

Agent launched bid to get Danton a different lawyer
By CHRISTIE BLATCHFORD AND TIM WHARNSBY
Thursday, June 3, 2004 - Page A1

CALGARY -- National Hockey League player agent David Frost contacted most of the members of the St. Louis Blues last month, soliciting money to hire another lawyer for his troubled client Mike Danton.

The Globe and Mail has confirmed that Mr. Frost, who has been identified as the target of Mr. Danton's alleged murder-for-hire plot, sent faxes and left telephone messages for the players, saying in one that he wasn't "asking for $50,000, though that would be nice."

Mr. Frost even approached a high-profile defence lawyer, David Chesnoff of Las Vegas, to ask if he would take on the case -- despite the fact that Mr. Danton was already represented at the time by St. Louis attorney Bob Haar, who was retained shortly after Mr. Danton's arrest April 16.

Mr. Haar couldn't be reached for comment yesterday, nor could Mr. Frost, but Mr. Chesnoff confirmed that he had been contacted by the controversial agent and that he had mentioned setting up a trust fund for donations.

"I told him that Mr. Danton is in great hands," Mr. Chesnoff said, calling Mr. Haar a first-rate lawyer with an impeccable reputation.

None of the Blues players donated money, Globe sources say, but this does not reflect a lack of concern for their 23-year-old teammate. Several players have attended each of his court appearances to show their support for Mr. Danton.

A source close to Mr. Chesnoff said that to the lawyer's knowledge, no funds have been deposited in a trust.

Until ordered by a court not to make contact, Mr. Frost was in constant touch with Mr. Danton, who remains in a Clinton County jail cell awaiting trial on the two conspiracy charges that could see him and Katie Wolfmeyer, the 19-year-old St. Louis teenager accused of being his accomplice, each spend 10 years in prison if convicted.

Sources close to the hockey team told The Globe that about two or three weeks ago Mr. Frost was phoning and faxing the players.

On May 15, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Reagan first forbade Mr. Frost to contact Mr. Danton.

That order, which did allow Mr. Frost's wife and children to talk to the hockey player, was stiffened a week later to ban members of Mr. Frost's family and another of his NHL clients, Sheldon Keefe, as well.

The broader order followed the playing in open court of several recorded conversations between Mr. Frost and Mr. Danton, which prompted prosecutor Stephen Clark to tell Judge Reagan that the two were "conspiring to obstruct justice to conjure up a phony defence" and Mr. Haar to describe Mr. Frost as "the dominant person in this relationship" and the "one directing that things be done."

A spokesman for the assistant U.S. attorney's office said yesterday that no additional charges in the case had been laid.

The revelation of Mr. Frost's latest actions has left Steve Jefferson, Mr. Danton's biological father, dismayed.

Mr. Danton, who has known Mr. Frost since he was a boy of 10 and played for him for years, is estranged from Steve and Sue Jefferson. He legally changed his name from Mike Jefferson to Michael Sage Danton two years ago.

The Jeffersons, who haven't been able to speak to their oldest son or those who are looking out for him now, are near frantic with worry.

Because Mr. Danton is an adult, his lawyer and Brian Shaw, the NHL Players' Association psychologist who has been visiting him in prison, are obliged to follow his directions on any release of information about his situation.

As a result, Mr. Danton's parents and brother Tom are almost completely in the dark about his well-being.

At the May 21 court appearance, Mr. Haar told Judge Reagan that Mr. Danton may be suicidal and has been "emotionally isolated" by the effect of no-contact orders with those who have formed his support group.

Mr. Danton is tentatively to go to trial on July 20, with Ms. Wolfmeyer's trial set to begin a week earlier.

cblatchford@globeandmail.ca

[nccanes]

And another feel good story. :roll: :sick:

NHLPA boss ate with Frost
Danton joined agent, Goodenow

Met days before player was charged


DONOVAN VINCENT
SPORTS REPORTER

Another plot twist has been added to St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton's murder-for-hire case, with NHL Players' Association head Bob Goodenow admitting he had dinner with Danton and agent David Frost four nights before the player was arrested.

Goodenow didn't reply directly to a Star request for an interview about a report describing the dinner meeting, but an NHLPA spokesperson confirmed Goodenow made the comments in Calgary Monday. Goodenow won't be making any further remarks about the report, the spokesperson said.

According to the story, Goodenow, Danton and Frost met four nights before Danton's April 16 arrest for allegedly plotting to have Frost killed. The three ate at a restaurant in St. Louis.

Goodenow is quoted as saying he noticed nothing unusual or inappropriate about Frost or Danton's behaviour during the dinner, and was taken aback by Danton's arrest.

Officials with the U.S. attorney's office in Illinois wouldn't say yesterday whether Goodenow will be called as a witness to testify in Danton's trial, expected to start next month. Danton, 23, and Katie Wolfmeyer, 19 of St. Louis, have been charged with plotting to kill Frost, Danton's agent.

The April 12 dinner was a day before Danton and Frost argued over Danton's "promiscuity and use of alcohol,'' an argument which may have triggered the murder plot, according to an FBI report.

Goodenow's relationship with Frost has stirred controversy in the past. Frost once pleaded guilty to assaulting one of his players on a Junior A team in 1997. He was also suspended from what is now the Greater Toronto Hockey League for a number of infractions, and banned from coaching junior teams in the Ontario Hockey Association.

Despite the suspensions, he was certified as an agent by the NHLPA in 2002. Other agents complained Frost's ties to Goodenow eased the certification, a claim denied by Frost. At the time, Goodenow declined to comment.

[nccanes]

And another feel good story. :roll: :sick:

NHLPA boss ate with Frost
Danton joined agent, Goodenow

Met days before player was charged


DONOVAN VINCENT
SPORTS REPORTER

Another plot twist has been added to St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton's murder-for-hire case, with NHL Players' Association head Bob Goodenow admitting he had dinner with Danton and agent David Frost four nights before the player was arrested.

Goodenow didn't reply directly to a Star request for an interview about a report describing the dinner meeting, but an NHLPA spokesperson confirmed Goodenow made the comments in Calgary Monday. Goodenow won't be making any further remarks about the report, the spokesperson said.

According to the story, Goodenow, Danton and Frost met four nights before Danton's April 16 arrest for allegedly plotting to have Frost killed. The three ate at a restaurant in St. Louis.

Goodenow is quoted as saying he noticed nothing unusual or inappropriate about Frost or Danton's behaviour during the dinner, and was taken aback by Danton's arrest.

Officials with the U.S. attorney's office in Illinois wouldn't say yesterday whether Goodenow will be called as a witness to testify in Danton's trial, expected to start next month. Danton, 23, and Katie Wolfmeyer, 19 of St. Louis, have been charged with plotting to kill Frost, Danton's agent.

The April 12 dinner was a day before Danton and Frost argued over Danton's "promiscuity and use of alcohol,'' an argument which may have triggered the murder plot, according to an FBI report.

Goodenow's relationship with Frost has stirred controversy in the past. Frost once pleaded guilty to assaulting one of his players on a Junior A team in 1997. He was also suspended from what is now the Greater Toronto Hockey League for a number of infractions, and banned from coaching junior teams in the Ontario Hockey Association.

Despite the suspensions, he was certified as an agent by the NHLPA in 2002. Other agents complained Frost's ties to Goodenow eased the certification, a claim denied by Frost. At the time, Goodenow declined to comment.

[talkingcanes]

and that story ^^^ makes me even more sure that the NHLPA has a lot of explaining to do about all of this. how positively encouraging that a man of Goodenow's character is a main player in the CBA negotiations :roll:

[talkingcanes]

and that story ^^^ makes me even more sure that the NHLPA has a lot of explaining to do about all of this. how positively encouraging that a man of Goodenow's character is a main player in the CBA negotiations :roll:

[talkingcanes]

I know Danton made some horrid decisions and has to take responsibility for them, but I feel so sorry for him.

Danton's agent denies seeking funds

TSN.ca Staff
6/3/2004

Controversial hockey agent David Frost has asked members of the St. Louis Blues to put up money to hire another lawyer to help defend teammate Mike Danton, according to a report in The Globe and Mail.

The newspaper reports Frost sent faxes and left telephone messages with several players soliciting money, but Frost has denied that he has anything to do with asking any players for money.

Frost contacted TSN Thursday morning, saying that it is Danton and his financial advisor, Robert Barth, that have been soliciting the Blues players. Frost continued by say that it's been Danton and Barth, and not him, that have been contacting high-profile Las Vegas attorney David Chesnoff to join the defence team. St. Louis attorney Bob Haar is currently representing Danton.

Sources tell the Globe that none of the players contacted have donated money so far.

Frost, members of his family and at least one of his NHL clients have been ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Michael Reagan to not have any contact with Danton since May 15.

Danton and a 19-year-old female accomplice face up to 10 years in jail if convicted on the conspiracy charges. He is scheduled to go to trail on July 20.

[talkingcanes]

I know Danton made some horrid decisions and has to take responsibility for them, but I feel so sorry for him.

Danton's agent denies seeking funds

TSN.ca Staff
6/3/2004

Controversial hockey agent David Frost has asked members of the St. Louis Blues to put up money to hire another lawyer to help defend teammate Mike Danton, according to a report in The Globe and Mail.

The newspaper reports Frost sent faxes and left telephone messages with several players soliciting money, but Frost has denied that he has anything to do with asking any players for money.

Frost contacted TSN Thursday morning, saying that it is Danton and his financial advisor, Robert Barth, that have been soliciting the Blues players. Frost continued by say that it's been Danton and Barth, and not him, that have been contacting high-profile Las Vegas attorney David Chesnoff to join the defence team. St. Louis attorney Bob Haar is currently representing Danton.

Sources tell the Globe that none of the players contacted have donated money so far.

Frost, members of his family and at least one of his NHL clients have been ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Michael Reagan to not have any contact with Danton since May 15.

Danton and a 19-year-old female accomplice face up to 10 years in jail if convicted on the conspiracy charges. He is scheduled to go to trail on July 20.

[Captain Slack]

Judge denies change of venue request for Danton

June 30, 2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) -- A federal judge has denied a request by St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton to move his murder conspiracy trial away from the St. Louis area.

U.S. District Judge William D. Stiehl ruled Tuesday that extensive media coverage of the case has not been harmful enough to merit a change of venue.

``The court cannot find that these articles and news stories are predominantly inflammatory or prejudicial,'' Stiehl wrote. ``Indeed, many are sympathetic to the defendant's situation.''

But Stiehl will allow potential jurors to be questioned about how pretrial publicity has affected their views of Danton and co-defendant Katie Wolfmeyer.

Danton has been jailed since his arrest April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the playoffs. He is accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill his agent, David Frost.

Wolfmeyer, 19, of the St. Louis suburb Florissant, is accused to trying to hire a would-be hit man, who turned out to be an informant. Frost was not hurt and has maintained he was not the intended target.

Both Danton and Wolfmeyer face the same murder-for-hire conspiracy charges.

Danton's attorney, Robert Haar, said the judge acknowledged pretrial publicity is a factor in the case.

``Hopefully, through additional questioning, we will be able to seat a jury,'' Haar said.

Jury selection is expected to begin on Sept. 1 for Danton, with a trial scheduled to begin Sept. 7 in East St. Louis.

The judge noted that the jurors are drawn from across 11 counties in Southern Illinois, a larger area than typical court jurisdictions from which trials have been moved out of concern for publicity.

Wolfmeyer's attorneys have not objected to holding the trial in East St. Louis, and they want her to be tried alongside Danton.

[Captain Slack]

Judge denies change of venue request for Danton

June 30, 2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) -- A federal judge has denied a request by St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton to move his murder conspiracy trial away from the St. Louis area.

U.S. District Judge William D. Stiehl ruled Tuesday that extensive media coverage of the case has not been harmful enough to merit a change of venue.

``The court cannot find that these articles and news stories are predominantly inflammatory or prejudicial,'' Stiehl wrote. ``Indeed, many are sympathetic to the defendant's situation.''

But Stiehl will allow potential jurors to be questioned about how pretrial publicity has affected their views of Danton and co-defendant Katie Wolfmeyer.

Danton has been jailed since his arrest April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the playoffs. He is accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill his agent, David Frost.

Wolfmeyer, 19, of the St. Louis suburb Florissant, is accused to trying to hire a would-be hit man, who turned out to be an informant. Frost was not hurt and has maintained he was not the intended target.

Both Danton and Wolfmeyer face the same murder-for-hire conspiracy charges.

Danton's attorney, Robert Haar, said the judge acknowledged pretrial publicity is a factor in the case.

``Hopefully, through additional questioning, we will be able to seat a jury,'' Haar said.

Jury selection is expected to begin on Sept. 1 for Danton, with a trial scheduled to begin Sept. 7 in East St. Louis.

The judge noted that the jurors are drawn from across 11 counties in Southern Illinois, a larger area than typical court jurisdictions from which trials have been moved out of concern for publicity.

Wolfmeyer's attorneys have not objected to holding the trial in East St. Louis, and they want her to be tried alongside Danton.

[Captain Slack]

Judge denies change of venue request for Danton

June 30, 2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) -- A federal judge has denied a request by St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton to move his murder conspiracy trial away from the St. Louis area.

U.S. District Judge William D. Stiehl ruled Tuesday that extensive media coverage of the case has not been harmful enough to merit a change of venue.

``The court cannot find that these articles and news stories are predominantly inflammatory or prejudicial,'' Stiehl wrote. ``Indeed, many are sympathetic to the defendant's situation.''

But Stiehl will allow potential jurors to be questioned about how pretrial publicity has affected their views of Danton and co-defendant Katie Wolfmeyer.

Danton has been jailed since his arrest April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the playoffs. He is accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill his agent, David Frost.

Wolfmeyer, 19, of the St. Louis suburb Florissant, is accused to trying to hire a would-be hit man, who turned out to be an informant. Frost was not hurt and has maintained he was not the intended target.

Both Danton and Wolfmeyer face the same murder-for-hire conspiracy charges.

Danton's attorney, Robert Haar, said the judge acknowledged pretrial publicity is a factor in the case.

``Hopefully, through additional questioning, we will be able to seat a jury,'' Haar said.

Jury selection is expected to begin on Sept. 1 for Danton, with a trial scheduled to begin Sept. 7 in East St. Louis.

The judge noted that the jurors are drawn from across 11 counties in Southern Illinois, a larger area than typical court jurisdictions from which trials have been moved out of concern for publicity.

Wolfmeyer's attorneys have not objected to holding the trial in East St. Louis, and they want her to be tried alongside Danton.

[sparkyzsportz]

FROM TSN.ca


TSN has learned a plea agreement has been reached in Mike Danton's murder-for-hire case. Sources say Danton is expected to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire. Details to follow.

[sparkyzsportz]

FROM TSN.ca


TSN has learned a plea agreement has been reached in Mike Danton's murder-for-hire case. Sources say Danton is expected to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire. Details to follow.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Some details....
Danton pleads guilty in agreement

Associated Press
7/16/2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Former St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton admitted Friday that he sought to have his agent killed as part of a plot that unravelled when the would-be hit man turned out to be a police informant.

Danton, from Bampton, Ont., pleaded guilty to a federal murder-for-hire conspiracy charge and could face seven to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 22.

Danton was to have been tried in September with co-defendant Katie Wolfmeyer, and was scheduled for a pretrial hearing next week.

Danton, 23, and Wolfmeyer, a 19-year-old college student from a St. Louis suburb, faced identical conspiracy charges, with Wolfmeyer accused of trying to hire the would-be killer of Danton's agent, David Frost.

The would-be killer eventually went to police, and Frost was unharmed.

Danton has been jailed since his arrest April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the playoffs. The Blues released Danton on July 1, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Wolfmeyer has pleaded innocent and is to be tried in September.

Federal prosecutors have agreed to let Danton serve his possible prison time in Canada. U.S. District Judge William Stiehl told Danton that the agreement may bar him from re-entering the United States.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Some details....
Danton pleads guilty in agreement

Associated Press
7/16/2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Former St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton admitted Friday that he sought to have his agent killed as part of a plot that unravelled when the would-be hit man turned out to be a police informant.

Danton, from Bampton, Ont., pleaded guilty to a federal murder-for-hire conspiracy charge and could face seven to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 22.

Danton was to have been tried in September with co-defendant Katie Wolfmeyer, and was scheduled for a pretrial hearing next week.

Danton, 23, and Wolfmeyer, a 19-year-old college student from a St. Louis suburb, faced identical conspiracy charges, with Wolfmeyer accused of trying to hire the would-be killer of Danton's agent, David Frost.

The would-be killer eventually went to police, and Frost was unharmed.

Danton has been jailed since his arrest April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the playoffs. The Blues released Danton on July 1, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Wolfmeyer has pleaded innocent and is to be tried in September.

Federal prosecutors have agreed to let Danton serve his possible prison time in Canada. U.S. District Judge William Stiehl told Danton that the agreement may bar him from re-entering the United States.

[StormShaman]

I kinda expected this. Hopefully they continue to keep that freakshow Frost far the hell away from him.

[StormShaman]

I kinda expected this. Hopefully they continue to keep that freakshow Frost far the hell away from him.

[CaneZilla]

Just doesn't look like the person to ask about hiring a hit-man

http://www.stlouisbluesnews.com/pressbox/04_17_04/wolfmeyer.htm

[CaneZilla]

Just doesn't look like the person to ask about hiring a hit-man

http://www.stlouisbluesnews.com/pressbox/04_17_04/wolfmeyer.htm

[Fandragon]

Some details....
Danton pleads guilty in agreement

Associated Press
7/16/2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Former St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton admitted Friday that he sought to have his agent killed as part of a plot that unravelled when the would-be hit man turned out to be a police informant.

Wonder how Frost is reacting to Danton's plea, seeing as how he's insisted from day one that he wasn't the target.

[Fandragon]

Some details....
Danton pleads guilty in agreement

Associated Press
7/16/2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Former St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton admitted Friday that he sought to have his agent killed as part of a plot that unravelled when the would-be hit man turned out to be a police informant.

Wonder how Frost is reacting to Danton's plea, seeing as how he's insisted from day one that he wasn't the target.

[puck_it]

hmmm there was a link to the story on aim today pop up... it read

"NHL Star Admits Plot to Murder Agent"

hmmm NHL Star???? hardly

[puck_it]

hmmm there was a link to the story on aim today pop up... it read

"NHL Star Admits Plot to Murder Agent"

hmmm NHL Star???? hardly

[talkingcanes]

We may never know why Danton went off the deep end
By Jeff Gordon
Of the Post-Dispatch
07/16/2004

We may never know exactly why Blues winger Mike Danton went off the deep end.

We may never know all that happened between him and his agent/guru David Frost, all the strange events that led Danton to conspire to murder him.

We suspect that it's a very strange and troubling story, a cautionary tale about a young man who left home at a young age, turned his life over to a youth hockey coach, disowned his family and then fell to pieces.

Folks viewing the Danton/Frost story from a safe distance hoped that a trial would produce some answers. We all wanted to see Danton take the stand and explain why he allowed Frost to micromanage his life.

We wanted to know why Danton became desperate to end his arrangement with Frost, so desperate that he saw murder as the only way out.

We wanted to see Danton put down his prepared statements, just once, and describe what exactly went haywire. We wanted to see why a young man would fall into such a pathetic state, even after his NHL career was just taking off.

People familiar with Danton, his family and his relationship with Frost insist there was quite a story to be told, one that would shed sympathetic light on his life . . . but now we may never really know what happened.

Danton decided to remain mum. In a sudden and startling decision, he admitted his guilt and returned to jail will his secrets safely intact.

By pleading guilty, Danton put himself in line for a long prison term. He faces a sentence of 87 months to 10 years, to be served in his native Canada.

By pleading guilty, Danton accepted that his promising hockey career was over and all his childhood dreams were dashed.

By pleading guilty, Danton allowed Frost, his intended target, to escape some much-needed scrutiny.

This was another curious turn in one of the most peculiar sports sagas of our lifetime.

Personally, I wanted to pity Danton. I wanted to believe that he was a good kid lured into a bad situation. I wanted to believe he was a needy, gullible, vulnerable kid that latched onto a manipulator.

I wanted to believe he developed deep psychological problems that explained his erratic behavior.

I wanted to believe he was a victim, not a criminal. As a parent of two teenagers, I shuddered at the news accounts and hoped for a happier ending. I wanted Danton to get help, not a long prison term.

But Danton went to the courthouse Friday and took the fall. He owned up to one of the most idiotic, implausible, ill-fated criminal plots of all time.

The stupidity of it all would make for an excellent comedy – except that the end result, a life needlessly wasted, is so tragic.

[talkingcanes]

We may never know why Danton went off the deep end
By Jeff Gordon
Of the Post-Dispatch
07/16/2004

We may never know exactly why Blues winger Mike Danton went off the deep end.

We may never know all that happened between him and his agent/guru David Frost, all the strange events that led Danton to conspire to murder him.

We suspect that it's a very strange and troubling story, a cautionary tale about a young man who left home at a young age, turned his life over to a youth hockey coach, disowned his family and then fell to pieces.

Folks viewing the Danton/Frost story from a safe distance hoped that a trial would produce some answers. We all wanted to see Danton take the stand and explain why he allowed Frost to micromanage his life.

We wanted to know why Danton became desperate to end his arrangement with Frost, so desperate that he saw murder as the only way out.

We wanted to see Danton put down his prepared statements, just once, and describe what exactly went haywire. We wanted to see why a young man would fall into such a pathetic state, even after his NHL career was just taking off.

People familiar with Danton, his family and his relationship with Frost insist there was quite a story to be told, one that would shed sympathetic light on his life . . . but now we may never really know what happened.

Danton decided to remain mum. In a sudden and startling decision, he admitted his guilt and returned to jail will his secrets safely intact.

By pleading guilty, Danton put himself in line for a long prison term. He faces a sentence of 87 months to 10 years, to be served in his native Canada.

By pleading guilty, Danton accepted that his promising hockey career was over and all his childhood dreams were dashed.

By pleading guilty, Danton allowed Frost, his intended target, to escape some much-needed scrutiny.

This was another curious turn in one of the most peculiar sports sagas of our lifetime.

Personally, I wanted to pity Danton. I wanted to believe that he was a good kid lured into a bad situation. I wanted to believe he was a needy, gullible, vulnerable kid that latched onto a manipulator.

I wanted to believe he developed deep psychological problems that explained his erratic behavior.

I wanted to believe he was a victim, not a criminal. As a parent of two teenagers, I shuddered at the news accounts and hoped for a happier ending. I wanted Danton to get help, not a long prison term.

But Danton went to the courthouse Friday and took the fall. He owned up to one of the most idiotic, implausible, ill-fated criminal plots of all time.

The stupidity of it all would make for an excellent comedy – except that the end result, a life needlessly wasted, is so tragic.

[tommy]

not sure if anyone even saw this... i missed it until today...

Monday, September 20, 2004

Associated Press

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- A young Missouri woman was acquitted Monday of charges she helped former NHL player Mike Danton hire a hit man in a failed plot to kill his agent.

The federal jury deliberated more than three hours before clearing 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer in the scheme, which unraveled in April when the man recruited for the hit notified authorities.

Wolfmeyer's family and friends gasped, then applauded and gave Wolfmeyer the thumbs-up after hearing the verdict on charges of conspiracy and using a telephone across state lines to set up a murder. Wolfmeyer and her mother sobbed.

"I knew all along that I was innocent," the young woman said, reiterating her claim that the FBI had twisted her story and used it against her. "I'm glad the jury saw through all that."

Prosecutors, who had argued that jurors should look past Wolfmeyer's sobbing testimony and her claims the FBI was plotting against her, did not take questions after the verdict but released a statement.

"Our interest as prosecutors at any trial is to ensure the evidence is fairly and effectively put before the jury," said Ron Tenpas, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. "We respect the jury's verdict."

Prosecutors said that Wolfmeyer, of the St. Louis suburb of Florissant, put Danton in touch with acquaintance Justin Levi Jones, and the hockey player offered him $10,000 to kill Danton's agent, David Frost. Jones, a police dispatcher in Columbia, Ill., pretended to accept Danton's offer but instead notified the FBI.

Authorities said Danton and Frost had argued over Danton's alleged promiscuity and alcohol use. Danton, fearing Frost would tell the St. Louis Blues' front office about his behavior, decided to have Frost killed, authorities said.

Danton pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in July and will be sentenced Oct. 22. He did not testify during Wolfmeyer's trial.

Wolfmeyer testified last week she knew nothing about Danton's bid to have someone killed. "Danton didn't tell me anything," she testified. "I knew nothing. I knew absolutely nothing."

Prosecutor Stephen Clark, however, portrayed Wolfmeyer as a conniving liar and told the jury: "This is no conspiracy against Little Miss Muffet."

He said Wolfmeyer tried to make herself look demure by wearing a ponytail and a purple hair ribbon and having a little cartoon-covered tissue box at the defense table.

Juror Jean Anderson said Wolfmeyer is "not innocent by any means of everything she's done, but [prosecutors] didn't present evidence to prove she was guilty."

Another juror, Allen Trowbridge, said he thought "there was a little bit of lying going on on both sides."

Wolfmeyer would have faced at least eight years in prison had she been convicted. Her father, Patrick, said she had rejected a plea bargain in which she would have received a two-year sentence.

[tommy]

not sure if anyone even saw this... i missed it until today...

Monday, September 20, 2004

Associated Press

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- A young Missouri woman was acquitted Monday of charges she helped former NHL player Mike Danton hire a hit man in a failed plot to kill his agent.

The federal jury deliberated more than three hours before clearing 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer in the scheme, which unraveled in April when the man recruited for the hit notified authorities.

Wolfmeyer's family and friends gasped, then applauded and gave Wolfmeyer the thumbs-up after hearing the verdict on charges of conspiracy and using a telephone across state lines to set up a murder. Wolfmeyer and her mother sobbed.

"I knew all along that I was innocent," the young woman said, reiterating her claim that the FBI had twisted her story and used it against her. "I'm glad the jury saw through all that."

Prosecutors, who had argued that jurors should look past Wolfmeyer's sobbing testimony and her claims the FBI was plotting against her, did not take questions after the verdict but released a statement.

"Our interest as prosecutors at any trial is to ensure the evidence is fairly and effectively put before the jury," said Ron Tenpas, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. "We respect the jury's verdict."

Prosecutors said that Wolfmeyer, of the St. Louis suburb of Florissant, put Danton in touch with acquaintance Justin Levi Jones, and the hockey player offered him $10,000 to kill Danton's agent, David Frost. Jones, a police dispatcher in Columbia, Ill., pretended to accept Danton's offer but instead notified the FBI.

Authorities said Danton and Frost had argued over Danton's alleged promiscuity and alcohol use. Danton, fearing Frost would tell the St. Louis Blues' front office about his behavior, decided to have Frost killed, authorities said.

Danton pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in July and will be sentenced Oct. 22. He did not testify during Wolfmeyer's trial.

Wolfmeyer testified last week she knew nothing about Danton's bid to have someone killed. "Danton didn't tell me anything," she testified. "I knew nothing. I knew absolutely nothing."

Prosecutor Stephen Clark, however, portrayed Wolfmeyer as a conniving liar and told the jury: "This is no conspiracy against Little Miss Muffet."

He said Wolfmeyer tried to make herself look demure by wearing a ponytail and a purple hair ribbon and having a little cartoon-covered tissue box at the defense table.

Juror Jean Anderson said Wolfmeyer is "not innocent by any means of everything she's done, but [prosecutors] didn't present evidence to prove she was guilty."

Another juror, Allen Trowbridge, said he thought "there was a little bit of lying going on on both sides."

Wolfmeyer would have faced at least eight years in prison had she been convicted. Her father, Patrick, said she had rejected a plea bargain in which she would have received a two-year sentence.

[AbNormal27]

90 month jail term for Danton

The Mike Danton saga finally ends on this bizarre murder-for-hire case.

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) -- Former St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton was sentenced Monday to 90 months in prison for a failed murder-for-hire plot to kill his agent.

The 24-year-old from Brampton, Ont., remained silent as U.S. District Judge William Stiehl read the sentence. Asked by the judge if he wanted to speak, Danton declined.

"I do not believe in over 18 years on the bench I have been faced with a case as bizarre as this one," Stiehl said, noting that Danton chose a 19-year-old acquaintance and a police dispatcher as his would-be helpers in the murder plot.

It was "not the choice of a sentient person," added Stiehl who believes Danton acted out of desperation.

Danton is expected to seek transfer to a Canadian prison. Meanwhile, his hockey career is in jeopardy. There is no parole in the federal system and, Stiehl has noted, Danton may not be allowed to return to the United States after completing his sentence.

If Danton is tranferred to a Canadian prison, he will be eligible for partial parole April 2006 and full parole the following October, said Sportsnet legal analyst Rob Becker.

It was definitely a good decision for Danton, who received only three months more than the minimum sentence allowable.

Danton pleaded guilty July 16 to murder conspiracy charges. Prosecutors have said the intended victim was David Frost, Danton's agent and his longtime Canadian youth hockey coach.

A federal jury on Sept. 20 acquitted Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, Mo., of charges that she helped Danton in the plot.

Danton faced seven to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 US fine.

Authorities said Danton and Frost had argued over Danton's alleged promiscuity and alcohol use. Danton, fearing Frost would tell the St. Louis Blues' front office about his behaviour, decided to have Frost killed, authorities said.

Danton has been jailed since his arrest April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Blues from the playoffs. The Blues released Danton, a third-line checking forward, on July 1. He's now an unrestricted free agent.

Danton has had a troubled NHL career, but seemed to be finding himself with the Blues.

He came to the Blues in a June trade from the New Jersey Devils, where he had been twice suspended for disciplinary reasons. He sat out all of the 2001-02 season and played in just 17 games in 2002-03.

Danton had seven goals, 12 points and 141 penalty minutes last season.

Aaryn

[cmw00]

Well, the good news for him is, he should be out before the lockout ends....

[nccanes]

Well, the good news for him is, he should be out before the lockout ends....

:lol: :lol:

I'm not sure I understand how there is no parole in the federal system, yet he could be out in 2006 in Canada, but whatever. The most important thing is that Danton get better and hopefully he'll allow his family back into his life to move toward that goal.

[AbNormal27]

Frost wants back in

PLAYER AGENT David Frost has fired back in his battle with the Central Junior Hockey League. Suspended for an indefinite period on Tuesday, Frost is seeking reinstatement to the league through legal counsel, which sent a fax to CJHL commissioner Mac MacLean yesterday, reports the Ottawa Sun.
"We want (Mac-Lean) to lift the ban," said Howard Yegendorf, Frost's lawyer. "Mr. Frost is a certified NHL agent and he attends CJHL games as part of his job and it's how he makes a living."

Aaryn

[Fandragon]

Frost wants back in

PLAYER AGENT David Frost has fired back in his battle with the Central Junior Hockey League. Suspended for an indefinite period on Tuesday, Frost is seeking reinstatement to the league through legal counsel, which sent a fax to CJHL commissioner Mac MacLean yesterday, reports the Ottawa Sun.
"We want (Mac-Lean) to lift the ban," said Howard Yegendorf, Frost's lawyer. "Mr. Frost is a certified NHL agent and he attends CJHL games as part of his job and it's how he makes a living."

:eek2: Holy God I hope they don't let him back in. Any parent who lets Frost represent their kid after all this needs to be arrested for child endangerment.

[nccanes]

Frost wants back in

PLAYER AGENT David Frost has fired back in his battle with the Central Junior Hockey League. Suspended for an indefinite period on Tuesday, Frost is seeking reinstatement to the league through legal counsel, which sent a fax to CJHL commissioner Mac MacLean yesterday, reports the Ottawa Sun.
"We want (Mac-Lean) to lift the ban," said Howard Yegendorf, Frost's lawyer. "Mr. Frost is a certified NHL agent and he attends CJHL games as part of his job and it's how he makes a living."

:eek2: Holy God I hope they don't let him back in. Any parent who lets Frost represent their kid after all this needs to be arrested for child endangerment.

Heh. I just wrote the same thing in the lockout thread (it was at the bottom of a different article).

One would hope that the CJHL has jurisdiction to protect its own players and the officials regardless if Frost is an "NHL certified agent".

[AbNormal27]

Danton sues papers for libel

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Mike Danton filed a notice of libel against the Ottawa Sun and the Toronto Sun after the newspapers suggested he was gay.

Danton was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison after he failed a murder-for-hire plot against former agent David Frost.

Danton claimed in the notice that the Ottawa Sun and Toronto Sun were "false, defamatory and malicious" in their coverage of his arrest in April.

The Post-Dispatch is claiming that the headline "NHLer Charged in Gay Hit Plot" is the particular issue with the papers.

Several newspapers implied there was a romantic same-sex relationship after Danton's arrest.

Alan Shanoff, a lawyer for Sun Media, told the Ottawa Citizen "that interpretation was incorrect. The Ottawa and Toronto Sun, just like many newspapers across North America, covered the wire service interpretation."

Danton played for the New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues from the 2000-01 season to 2003-04 season.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Danton sues papers for libel

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Mike Danton filed a notice of libel against the Ottawa Sun and the Toronto Sun after the newspapers suggested he was gay.

Danton was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison after he failed a murder-for-hire plot against former agent David Frost.

Danton claimed in the notice that the Ottawa Sun and Toronto Sun were "false, defamatory and malicious" in their coverage of his arrest in April.

The Post-Dispatch is claiming that the headline "NHLer Charged in Gay Hit Plot" is the particular issue with the papers.

Several newspapers implied there was a romantic same-sex relationship after Danton's arrest.

Alan Shanoff, a lawyer for Sun Media, told the Ottawa Citizen "that interpretation was incorrect. The Ottawa and Toronto Sun, just like many newspapers across North America, covered the wire service interpretation."

Danton played for the New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues from the 2000-01 season to 2003-04 season.

Aaryn

[nccanes]

Hmmm. Certainly some papers jumped the gun (no pun intended), but I thought we were past the point of gay=malicious/defamatory.

Maybe the hockey world isn't ready for it's first gay player after all.

Or maybe Danton needs money. Seems like his hitman-for-hire plot might have done him a smidge more damage in the public's eye. :roll:

[nccanes]

Hmmm. Certainly some papers jumped the gun (no pun intended), but I thought we were past the point of gay=malicious/defamatory.

Maybe the hockey world isn't ready for it's first gay player after all.

Or maybe Danton needs money. Seems like his hitman-for-hire plot might have done him a smidge more damage in the public's eye. :roll:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Maybe the hockey world isn't ready for it's first gay player after all.


Not that you aren't right ('cause who knows until it happens) but the hockey world isn't filing the charges, Danton is. Seems like a stretch to take it as a wider indication of how the entire sport feels on the issue.

It would be nice if the court would just rule that speculations on someone's sexual orientation can't be considered defamatory and be done with crap like this. Sometimes law has to take the lead in changing the viewpoints of society. See the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for a good example.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Maybe the hockey world isn't ready for it's first gay player after all.


Not that you aren't right ('cause who knows until it happens) but the hockey world isn't filing the charges, Danton is. Seems like a stretch to take it as a wider indication of how the entire sport feels on the issue.

It would be nice if the court would just rule that speculations on someone's sexual orientation can't be considered defamatory and be done with crap like this. Sometimes law has to take the lead in changing the viewpoints of society. See the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for a good example.

[nccanes]

Maybe the hockey world isn't ready for it's first gay player after all.


Not that you aren't right ('cause who knows until it happens) but the hockey world isn't filing the charges, Danton is. Seems like a stretch to take it as a wider indication of how the entire sport feels on the issue.


You're right SHC. Using Danton as an example of anything that is "normal" with the NHL is unfair.

[nccanes]

Maybe the hockey world isn't ready for it's first gay player after all.


Not that you aren't right ('cause who knows until it happens) but the hockey world isn't filing the charges, Danton is. Seems like a stretch to take it as a wider indication of how the entire sport feels on the issue.


You're right SHC. Using Danton as an example of anything that is "normal" with the NHL is unfair.

[SoCalcaniac]

This article was in today's Toronto Star. As a small bit of time has passed, things have now come out- and boy it's all quite sordid.


'Okay, do you love me?'
Bizarre details of Danton saga revealed in tapes

Former NHLer, agent in strange relationship
Nov. 29, 2005. 09:50 AM
CHRIS ZELKOVICH
SPORTS MEDIA COLUMNIST


The saga of Mike Danton has become even more bizarre with the release of jailhouse tapes of conversations between the former NHL player and agent David Frost, the man he tried to have killed.

According to the tapes, a week after the Brampton native was arrested Frost counselled him to deny the agent was the target and to blame his parents for his emotional problems.

Danton is serving a 7 1/2-year sentence in a U.S. prison after pleading guilty to trying to arrange Frost's murder while the agent was staying at his apartment in St. Louis, Mo. A girlfriend who was charged as an accessory was acquitted.

The tapes are part of an investigation by CBC News: the fifth estate (tomorrow, 9 p.m.) that also exposes some of the strange goings-on at Frost's cottage, where he often hosted his young clients.

It also details a rather unusual relationship between the former St. Louis Blues forward and his agent.

In a phone call to Danton in a California jail in the spring of 2004, taped by the FBI, Frost tells Danton to ``show emotion" so he can get psychiatric counselling instead of facing a jury.

He then instructs him to deny that he owed Frost money ``so it takes away their motive."

Frost advises him to blame his emotional problems on his estranged parents. The conversation ends in an unusual exchange between an agent and his client.

``Hey, Mike. Listen ... do I have to worry about my safety any more?" says Frost, who still denies he was the target of Danton's botched contract killing.

``No, you don't," Danton replies. ``I got to go."

``Okay, do you love me?" Frost asks. When Danton says yes, Frost presses him: ``Say it."

``I love you," Danton says.

``Do you?"

``Yeah," is Danton's reply.

Fifth estate reporter Bob McKeown says this case is one of the most bizarre he's dealt with.

``The relationship between these two is even stranger than you ever could have imagined," he says. ``Within days of the would-be murder, Frost is back telling Danton what to do, what to say and how to say it.

``But all the time, Frost is denying that he was the target."

The CBC show leaves little doubt that Frost was indeed the target. The CBC found a strip club bouncer in East St. Louis, who says Danton offered him $10,000 to have ``something done" to Frost. He even told the bouncer when Frost would be at Danton's apartment so the hit could be made.

When the bouncer declined to return calls, Danton started pleading.

``It's a matter of life and death for me," he says in a taped phone conversation.

Eventually, Danton tried to hire a killer through a girlfriend. Unknown to her, the man she approached was an undercover police officer who turned them in.

The girlfriend was charged as an accessory, but was later acquitted.

The show delves into the long relationship between Danton and Frost.

It began when Danton, then Mike Jefferson, was only 11. Before becoming his agent, Frost spent several years coaching minor and junior hockey. While he was successful on the ice, his actions resulted in him being barred by several organizations.

The show also looks at an incident at Frost's cottage four years ago. According to Danton's mother, Sue Jefferson, her then 13-year-old son was invited to join his brother and several other hockey players at Frost's cottage.

Upset by the boy's demeanour when he returned, Sue Jefferson confronted him and heard a disturbing tale of physical and psychological abuse.

The boy told her he was ordered to wait for his breakfast until the older ones had eaten. When he took some pancakes before the others, he said Frost spit on them and forced him to eat them.

The boy also said he was forced up a tree while Frost took pot-shots at him with a pellet gun and was forced to dance naked for hours in front of the other boys. He was also photographed after being duct-taped naked to a bed.

While the Jeffersons considered reporting it to police, they doubted anyone would believe the story. But a few months later, they came across the pictures.

Frost denied anything improper took place and the other boys backed him up, claiming it was all in good fun.

The Jeffersons went to the police, but a crown attorney decided there was no case to pursue.

Shortly after that, Mike Jefferson changed his name to Danton and severed all relationships with his family.

The show ends with a combative Frost continuing to deny he was the target.

``When Mike Danton gets back, Mike Danton will talk and I will talk," he tells McKeown at a Pembroke arena, where he has ties to the local junior hockey team.

When McKeown says he has tapes that prove otherwise, Frost blames the FBI.

``(Danton) cannot expose the government for what really went on until he's on our soil," says Frost, who is still listed as an accredited agent on the National Hockey League Players' Association website.

He then accuses the FBI of lying.

``I know what happened," he says. ``And it's way beyond what any media outlet has even come close to."

[Alicia]

He needs to fry...soon. :mad: Frost is a sick, sick individual.

[StormShaman]

Why the hells is Frost allowed anywhere near a rink? :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[apolinar]

Danton doesn't look like the crazy one anymore. This is textbook abuse. So sad.

[tommy]

That really is truly sad.

[Alicia]

That really is truly sad.

What's really sad is that even being in prison, Danton still can't get away from that sick f*ck.

[puck_it]

as horrible as this may sound... a part of me wishes that the hitman wasnt a cop....

people like that... no sympathy for them.

[Alicia]

Updated: Nov. 30, 2005, 12:05 PM ET
Danton asks judge to reconsider sentenceAssociated Press


EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- Former St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton wants a federal judge to reconsider a 7½-year prison sentence he got for plotting to kill his agent.


He has not been transferred to prison in his native Canada, as he says he was promised.

In papers filed Nov. 18 in U.S. District Court here, Danton, who is now imprisoned in Fort Dix, N.J., asked Judge William Stiehl to order a new sentencing and free him in the meantime.

The 25-year-old forward pleaded guilty in July 2004 to murder conspiracy charges related to what prosecutors said was his failed plot to kill agent David Frost.

When Danton was sentenced in November 2004, federal prosecutors agreed not to oppose deportation. Danton wants surgery in Canada for a shoulder injury and therapy for what his sentencing request calls his "grave mental disorders."

According to Danton's resentencing request, the Justice Department hasn't decided whether to allow him to leave the country despite his claims that "similarly situated applicants have been approved for removal to their home nations, which include Canada."

Messages left Wednesday with the U.S. Attorney's office office, which prosecuted Danton, and the Justice Department were not immediately returned.

No hearing on Danton's request has been set.

[puck_it]

"The NHLPA’s approach to Mike Danton's legal proceedings and his relationship with David Frost has been guided by our interest in supporting Mike and doing our part to ensure that Mike obtains the best possible outcomes, both legally and personally.In this regard, we have acted in accordance with the advice we have received from legal professionals who have been responsible for protecting Mike’s legal and personal interests. In light of recently released information, the NHLPA will further review Frost’s status as an agent.� - Ian Penny, NHLPA Associate Counsel

on nhlpa main page

[nccanes]

puck it - is that recent? I mean shouldn't they have done that years ago?

[AbNormal27]

NC, this was posted on their website on Tuesday.

Aaryn

[puck_it]

NC, this was posted on their website on Tuesday.

Aaryn

yep, its dated for the 30th actually
http://nhlpa.com/Content/Feature.asp?contentId=3522

[corylav]

as horrible as this may sound... a part of me wishes that the hitman wasnt a cop....

people like that... no sympathy for them.

You're not the only one thinking this ...

Danton's father arrested for threats

BRAMPTON, Ont. (CP) - The father of imprisoned former NHL player Mike Danton was reportedly arrested Thursday.

Media reports, quoting family members, said police arrested Steve Jefferson and took him to Kingston, Ont., on suspicion of harassing player agent David Frost.

The news comes the day after CBC aired a television documentary on the troubled life of Danton, 25, who is serving 7½ years in a Fort Dix, N.J., prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder.

Prosecutors say Danton, who last played in the NHL in 2003-2004 with the St. Louis Blues, planned to kill Frost, who lives just outside Kingston.

Police would not confirm if Jefferson had been arrested, but his wife, Sue Jefferson, and son, Tom Jefferson, both said they saw police take him away while Frost told TSN that he's received confirmation that Jefferson has been arrested.

"I received a series of phone messages, sometimes up to 15-20 messages a night," Frost told TSN. "I handed over the tapes of the messages to the OPP (Wednesday) around the dinner hour."

Tom Jefferson told thehockeynews.com that police arrested his father outside his work at a Brampton hospital, but he was not handcuffed.

Jefferson also alluded to the reasons for his father's arrest.

"I know my dad got a hold of Frost's number and was leaving him phone messages every once in a while," he told thehockeynews.com. "He wasn't threatening him physically or anything, just leaving random messages saying things like, you know, his time is going to come, and he should be ashamed of himself ... that kind of thing."

Danton changed his name from Jefferson when he was in his teens, and has been estranged from his family, which he refused to acknowledge during his trial.

He called the St. Louis Post-Dispatch from jail in May 2004 to accuse them of mistreatment, alleging he was raised in squalid conditions.

"Their deceptions and lies throughout the past three weeks are a sign of the erratic lifestyle that I have lived," he said. "I have changed my last name to fully distance myself from the Jeffersons and in no means have had or will have anything to do with them in the future."

Danton's family has disputed such accusations, saying Frost manipulated Danton and turned him against them.

Frost, who was Danton's longtime minor hockey coach, still insists he is Danton's agent.

Frost is certified by the NHL Players' Association as an official agent, but has few clients. Those he has have been intensely loyal to him, sticking with him since minor hockey ranks.

The NHLPA has said it will review Frost's status as an agent.

Danton has applied for a transfer to a Canadian facility and wants a U.S. federal court judge to reconsider his sentence.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Frost resigns as NHL player agent

Canadian Press
12/6/2005 11:21:31 AM

TORONTO (CP) - The man who handled the career of jailed NHLer Mike Danton has resigned as an NHL player agent.

The NHL Players' Association announced David Frost's resignation in a brief statement.

Frost came under renewed scrutiny recently when CBC's The Fifth Estate examined his relationship with Danton.

Danton is serving a 7½-year sentence in a U.S. prison for a murder-for hire scheme.

Prosecutors say Frost was the intended target but he has always denied being the target.

Frost's client list has been small, with Danton and Sheldon Keefe the most prominent players.

Too little too late, I'm afraid.

[StormShaman]

The saga isn't over yet--and mark my words, it will end tragically. :sad:

[Tricia]

The saga isn't over yet--and mark my words, it will end tragically. :sad:

I agree totally. It's such a sad, sad story and I have to say being the parent of a mite youth hockey player it freaks the crap out of me. I know someone who was abused by a baseball coach and the whole story/scenario is just plain scary. It's frightening how much control he had over Danton. I watched that special on the net and those taped phone conversations gave me the chills...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

More info in now.....

Canadian Press with TSN.ca Files
12/6/2005 12:07:30 PM

TORONTO (CP) - The man who handled the career of jailed NHLer Mike Danton has resigned as an NHL player agent.

The NHL Players' Association confirmed Tuesday that David Frost had resigned, saying it would have no further comment on the matter.

Frost's client list has been small, with Danton and Sheldon Keefe the most prominent players.

Danton, a former St. Louis Blue and New Jersey Devil, is serving a 7½-year sentence in a U.S. prison for a $10,000 US murder-for hire scheme. U.S. prosecutors said Frost was the target, although Frost has denied that.

The prosecution argued Danton tried to have Frost killed out of concerns that the agent planned to go to Blues management with information that could ruin Danton's career.



Frost came under renewed scrutiny recently when CBC's The Fifth Estate examined his relationship with Danton. But Frost told TSN that the timing of the decision had nothing to do with the documentary.

"The decision was not made now," said Frost. "The decision was made a year ago in November during the (NHL) lockout with the NHLPA, Bob Goodenow and NHLPA Associate Counsel Ian Penny. My only concern was the pending grievance that Mike Danton had with the New Jersey Devils over his injury pay from the season when he tore his oblique muscle and New Jersey tried to suspend him without pay. There was going to be a hearing and I hung around a little longer to see if that was going to materialize and it didn't.

"With Mike Danton and his situation and the five guys I got playing in the American League, there was really no need for me to stay on with the PA. Nobody pressured me out. If somebody tried to do that, I would of just stayed around in spite."

The show and its surrounding publicity led several agents to wonder publicly why Frost continued to be certified by the players' association. The NHLPA responded by saying it was looking into the case.

"People can say and write and talk about whatever they want but I know what it is and certainly the NHLPA and Ian Penny and the former Executive Director Bob Goodenow know what it is and it is what it is," Frost told TSN.

The CBC documentary featured FBI tapes that recorded Frost counseling Danton to deny Frost was the target of the hit and to blame his emotional problems on his parents.

In another bizarre twist, the day after the CBC show aired, Danton's father was arrested and charged with criminal harassment.

The charge reportedly involves 22 phone calls Steve Jefferson made over three days to Frost.
Jefferson has been ordered to appear in court on Jan. 10.

Danton, 25, changed his last name from Jefferson and has severed ties with his family.

He is asking a U.S. federal court to rule that he be transferred to a Canadian prison so he can become eligible for earlier parole.

[Alicia]

"People can say and write and talk about whatever they want but I know what it is and certainly the NHLPA and Ian Penny and the former Executive Director Bob Goodenow know what it is and it is what it is," Frost told TSN.

Talk in circles much? :crazy:

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Associated Press
2/22/2006 8:20:12 PM

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Saying Mike Danton waived his right to appeal, the U.S. government has asked a federal judge to reject the former St. Louis Blues player's claim that his prison sentence for plotting to kill his agent should be revisited because he hasn't been transferred to his native Canada to serve out the time.

During Danton's sentencing in November 2004, federal prosecutors agreed not to oppose Danton's deportation to Canada, where he said he wanted to get behind-bars surgical treatment for a shoulder injury and therapy for what his sentencing request called his "grave mental disorders."

But Danton - now inmate No. 10096-111 at a prison in Fort Dix, N.J. - sued the government last Nov. 18, saying he unfairly has not been transferred to Canada. He also complained that the Justice Department still hasn't decided whether to let him leave the U.S. despite his claims that "similarly situated applicants have been approved for removal to their home nations, which include Canada."

Danton asked U.S. District Judge William Stiehl, who sentenced him, to order a new sentencing and free him in the meantime. (WTF? :crazy:)

Federal prosecutors fired back Tuesday, arguing in filings in U.S. District Court here that no regulations require action on international transfers within a specified time. And Danton's deal did not require a transfer - only that he be considered for one.

The government also said that in pleading guilty in July 2004 to murder conspiracy charges related to what prosecutors said was his failed plot to kill his agent, David Frost, Danton waived his right to press on appeal his claim that the Justice Department must decide his transfer application within a certain time.

"Case law establishes that the Attorney General has unfettered discretion with respect to transfer decisions," the government's response to Danton's lawsuit reads, adding that Danton's transfer request remains under consideration.

No hearing on the dispute has been set. Sanford Boxerman, Danton's lawyer in the appeal, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

Danton, a 25-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., was convicted of orchestrating a conspiracy to commit interstate murder - a plot that targeted Frost after Frost had threatened to tell Blues management about Danton's self-destructive behaviours. The plot eventually unravelled, and Frost was unharmed.

In September 2004, a federal jury here acquitted Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, Mo., of charges she took part in the plot. Wolfmeyer claimed she did not know Danton was trying to hire a hit man when she introduced him over the phone to an acquaintance, Justin Levi Jones. Prosecutors said Danton offered Jones $10,000 US to kill Frost.

The plot was defused when Jones, a police dispatcher, went to authorities.

While Danton was being prosecuted, Frost insisted publicly that Danton sought to have him killed, but Danton never acknowledged in court that Frost was the intended victim. In Danton's resentencing request, however, Danton acknowledges he "engaged in an ill-considered plot to have killed his sports agent and longtime mentor, David Frost."

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Associated Press
2/22/2006 8:20:12 PM

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Saying Mike Danton waived his right to appeal, the U.S. government has asked a federal judge to reject the former St. Louis Blues player's claim that his prison sentence for plotting to kill his agent should be revisited because he hasn't been transferred to his native Canada to serve out the time.

During Danton's sentencing in November 2004, federal prosecutors agreed not to oppose Danton's deportation to Canada, where he said he wanted to get behind-bars surgical treatment for a shoulder injury and therapy for what his sentencing request called his "grave mental disorders."

But Danton - now inmate No. 10096-111 at a prison in Fort Dix, N.J. - sued the government last Nov. 18, saying he unfairly has not been transferred to Canada. He also complained that the Justice Department still hasn't decided whether to let him leave the U.S. despite his claims that "similarly situated applicants have been approved for removal to their home nations, which include Canada."

Danton asked U.S. District Judge William Stiehl, who sentenced him, to order a new sentencing and free him in the meantime. (WTF? :crazy:)

Federal prosecutors fired back Tuesday, arguing in filings in U.S. District Court here that no regulations require action on international transfers within a specified time. And Danton's deal did not require a transfer - only that he be considered for one.

The government also said that in pleading guilty in July 2004 to murder conspiracy charges related to what prosecutors said was his failed plot to kill his agent, David Frost, Danton waived his right to press on appeal his claim that the Justice Department must decide his transfer application within a certain time.

"Case law establishes that the Attorney General has unfettered discretion with respect to transfer decisions," the government's response to Danton's lawsuit reads, adding that Danton's transfer request remains under consideration.

No hearing on the dispute has been set. Sanford Boxerman, Danton's lawyer in the appeal, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

Danton, a 25-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., was convicted of orchestrating a conspiracy to commit interstate murder - a plot that targeted Frost after Frost had threatened to tell Blues management about Danton's self-destructive behaviours. The plot eventually unravelled, and Frost was unharmed.

In September 2004, a federal jury here acquitted Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, Mo., of charges she took part in the plot. Wolfmeyer claimed she did not know Danton was trying to hire a hit man when she introduced him over the phone to an acquaintance, Justin Levi Jones. Prosecutors said Danton offered Jones $10,000 US to kill Frost.

The plot was defused when Jones, a police dispatcher, went to authorities.

While Danton was being prosecuted, Frost insisted publicly that Danton sought to have him killed, but Danton never acknowledged in court that Frost was the intended victim. In Danton's resentencing request, however, Danton acknowledges he "engaged in an ill-considered plot to have killed his sports agent and longtime mentor, David Frost."

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Associated Press
2/22/2006 8:20:12 PM

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Saying Mike Danton waived his right to appeal, the U.S. government has asked a federal judge to reject the former St. Louis Blues player's claim that his prison sentence for plotting to kill his agent should be revisited because he hasn't been transferred to his native Canada to serve out the time.

During Danton's sentencing in November 2004, federal prosecutors agreed not to oppose Danton's deportation to Canada, where he said he wanted to get behind-bars surgical treatment for a shoulder injury and therapy for what his sentencing request called his "grave mental disorders."

But Danton - now inmate No. 10096-111 at a prison in Fort Dix, N.J. - sued the government last Nov. 18, saying he unfairly has not been transferred to Canada. He also complained that the Justice Department still hasn't decided whether to let him leave the U.S. despite his claims that "similarly situated applicants have been approved for removal to their home nations, which include Canada."

Danton asked U.S. District Judge William Stiehl, who sentenced him, to order a new sentencing and free him in the meantime. (WTF? :crazy:)

Federal prosecutors fired back Tuesday, arguing in filings in U.S. District Court here that no regulations require action on international transfers within a specified time. And Danton's deal did not require a transfer - only that he be considered for one.

The government also said that in pleading guilty in July 2004 to murder conspiracy charges related to what prosecutors said was his failed plot to kill his agent, David Frost, Danton waived his right to press on appeal his claim that the Justice Department must decide his transfer application within a certain time.

"Case law establishes that the Attorney General has unfettered discretion with respect to transfer decisions," the government's response to Danton's lawsuit reads, adding that Danton's transfer request remains under consideration.

No hearing on the dispute has been set. Sanford Boxerman, Danton's lawyer in the appeal, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

Danton, a 25-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., was convicted of orchestrating a conspiracy to commit interstate murder - a plot that targeted Frost after Frost had threatened to tell Blues management about Danton's self-destructive behaviours. The plot eventually unravelled, and Frost was unharmed.

In September 2004, a federal jury here acquitted Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, Mo., of charges she took part in the plot. Wolfmeyer claimed she did not know Danton was trying to hire a hit man when she introduced him over the phone to an acquaintance, Justin Levi Jones. Prosecutors said Danton offered Jones $10,000 US to kill Frost.

The plot was defused when Jones, a police dispatcher, went to authorities.

While Danton was being prosecuted, Frost insisted publicly that Danton sought to have him killed, but Danton never acknowledged in court that Frost was the intended victim. In Danton's resentencing request, however, Danton acknowledges he "engaged in an ill-considered plot to have killed his sports agent and longtime mentor, David Frost."

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Associated Press
2/22/2006 8:20:12 PM

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Saying Mike Danton waived his right to appeal, the U.S. government has asked a federal judge to reject the former St. Louis Blues player's claim that his prison sentence for plotting to kill his agent should be revisited because he hasn't been transferred to his native Canada to serve out the time.

During Danton's sentencing in November 2004, federal prosecutors agreed not to oppose Danton's deportation to Canada, where he said he wanted to get behind-bars surgical treatment for a shoulder injury and therapy for what his sentencing request called his "grave mental disorders."

But Danton - now inmate No. 10096-111 at a prison in Fort Dix, N.J. - sued the government last Nov. 18, saying he unfairly has not been transferred to Canada. He also complained that the Justice Department still hasn't decided whether to let him leave the U.S. despite his claims that "similarly situated applicants have been approved for removal to their home nations, which include Canada."

Danton asked U.S. District Judge William Stiehl, who sentenced him, to order a new sentencing and free him in the meantime. (WTF? :crazy:)

Federal prosecutors fired back Tuesday, arguing in filings in U.S. District Court here that no regulations require action on international transfers within a specified time. And Danton's deal did not require a transfer - only that he be considered for one.

The government also said that in pleading guilty in July 2004 to murder conspiracy charges related to what prosecutors said was his failed plot to kill his agent, David Frost, Danton waived his right to press on appeal his claim that the Justice Department must decide his transfer application within a certain time.

"Case law establishes that the Attorney General has unfettered discretion with respect to transfer decisions," the government's response to Danton's lawsuit reads, adding that Danton's transfer request remains under consideration.

No hearing on the dispute has been set. Sanford Boxerman, Danton's lawyer in the appeal, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

Danton, a 25-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., was convicted of orchestrating a conspiracy to commit interstate murder - a plot that targeted Frost after Frost had threatened to tell Blues management about Danton's self-destructive behaviours. The plot eventually unravelled, and Frost was unharmed.

In September 2004, a federal jury here acquitted Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, Mo., of charges she took part in the plot. Wolfmeyer claimed she did not know Danton was trying to hire a hit man when she introduced him over the phone to an acquaintance, Justin Levi Jones. Prosecutors said Danton offered Jones $10,000 US to kill Frost.

The plot was defused when Jones, a police dispatcher, went to authorities.

While Danton was being prosecuted, Frost insisted publicly that Danton sought to have him killed, but Danton never acknowledged in court that Frost was the intended victim. In Danton's resentencing request, however, Danton acknowledges he "engaged in an ill-considered plot to have killed his sports agent and longtime mentor, David Frost."

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Associated Press
2/22/2006 8:20:12 PM

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Saying Mike Danton waived his right to appeal, the U.S. government has asked a federal judge to reject the former St. Louis Blues player's claim that his prison sentence for plotting to kill his agent should be revisited because he hasn't been transferred to his native Canada to serve out the time.

During Danton's sentencing in November 2004, federal prosecutors agreed not to oppose Danton's deportation to Canada, where he said he wanted to get behind-bars surgical treatment for a shoulder injury and therapy for what his sentencing request called his "grave mental disorders."

But Danton - now inmate No. 10096-111 at a prison in Fort Dix, N.J. - sued the government last Nov. 18, saying he unfairly has not been transferred to Canada. He also complained that the Justice Department still hasn't decided whether to let him leave the U.S. despite his claims that "similarly situated applicants have been approved for removal to their home nations, which include Canada."

Danton asked U.S. District Judge William Stiehl, who sentenced him, to order a new sentencing and free him in the meantime. (WTF? :crazy:)

Federal prosecutors fired back Tuesday, arguing in filings in U.S. District Court here that no regulations require action on international transfers within a specified time. And Danton's deal did not require a transfer - only that he be considered for one.

The government also said that in pleading guilty in July 2004 to murder conspiracy charges related to what prosecutors said was his failed plot to kill his agent, David Frost, Danton waived his right to press on appeal his claim that the Justice Department must decide his transfer application within a certain time.

"Case law establishes that the Attorney General has unfettered discretion with respect to transfer decisions," the government's response to Danton's lawsuit reads, adding that Danton's transfer request remains under consideration.

No hearing on the dispute has been set. Sanford Boxerman, Danton's lawyer in the appeal, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

Danton, a 25-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., was convicted of orchestrating a conspiracy to commit interstate murder - a plot that targeted Frost after Frost had threatened to tell Blues management about Danton's self-destructive behaviours. The plot eventually unravelled, and Frost was unharmed.

In September 2004, a federal jury here acquitted Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, Mo., of charges she took part in the plot. Wolfmeyer claimed she did not know Danton was trying to hire a hit man when she introduced him over the phone to an acquaintance, Justin Levi Jones. Prosecutors said Danton offered Jones $10,000 US to kill Frost.

The plot was defused when Jones, a police dispatcher, went to authorities.

While Danton was being prosecuted, Frost insisted publicly that Danton sought to have him killed, but Danton never acknowledged in court that Frost was the intended victim. In Danton's resentencing request, however, Danton acknowledges he "engaged in an ill-considered plot to have killed his sports agent and longtime mentor, David Frost."

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Associated Press
2/22/2006 8:20:12 PM

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Saying Mike Danton waived his right to appeal, the U.S. government has asked a federal judge to reject the former St. Louis Blues player's claim that his prison sentence for plotting to kill his agent should be revisited because he hasn't been transferred to his native Canada to serve out the time.

During Danton's sentencing in November 2004, federal prosecutors agreed not to oppose Danton's deportation to Canada, where he said he wanted to get behind-bars surgical treatment for a shoulder injury and therapy for what his sentencing request called his "grave mental disorders."

But Danton - now inmate No. 10096-111 at a prison in Fort Dix, N.J. - sued the government last Nov. 18, saying he unfairly has not been transferred to Canada. He also complained that the Justice Department still hasn't decided whether to let him leave the U.S. despite his claims that "similarly situated applicants have been approved for removal to their home nations, which include Canada."

Danton asked U.S. District Judge William Stiehl, who sentenced him, to order a new sentencing and free him in the meantime. (WTF? :crazy:)

Federal prosecutors fired back Tuesday, arguing in filings in U.S. District Court here that no regulations require action on international transfers within a specified time. And Danton's deal did not require a transfer - only that he be considered for one.

The government also said that in pleading guilty in July 2004 to murder conspiracy charges related to what prosecutors said was his failed plot to kill his agent, David Frost, Danton waived his right to press on appeal his claim that the Justice Department must decide his transfer application within a certain time.

"Case law establishes that the Attorney General has unfettered discretion with respect to transfer decisions," the government's response to Danton's lawsuit reads, adding that Danton's transfer request remains under consideration.

No hearing on the dispute has been set. Sanford Boxerman, Danton's lawyer in the appeal, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

Danton, a 25-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., was convicted of orchestrating a conspiracy to commit interstate murder - a plot that targeted Frost after Frost had threatened to tell Blues management about Danton's self-destructive behaviours. The plot eventually unravelled, and Frost was unharmed.

In September 2004, a federal jury here acquitted Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, Mo., of charges she took part in the plot. Wolfmeyer claimed she did not know Danton was trying to hire a hit man when she introduced him over the phone to an acquaintance, Justin Levi Jones. Prosecutors said Danton offered Jones $10,000 US to kill Frost.

The plot was defused when Jones, a police dispatcher, went to authorities.

While Danton was being prosecuted, Frost insisted publicly that Danton sought to have him killed, but Danton never acknowledged in court that Frost was the intended victim. In Danton's resentencing request, however, Danton acknowledges he "engaged in an ill-considered plot to have killed his sports agent and longtime mentor, David Frost."

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Associated Press
2/22/2006 8:20:12 PM

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Saying Mike Danton waived his right to appeal, the U.S. government has asked a federal judge to reject the former St. Louis Blues player's claim that his prison sentence for plotting to kill his agent should be revisited because he hasn't been transferred to his native Canada to serve out the time.

During Danton's sentencing in November 2004, federal prosecutors agreed not to oppose Danton's deportation to Canada, where he said he wanted to get behind-bars surgical treatment for a shoulder injury and therapy for what his sentencing request called his "grave mental disorders."

But Danton - now inmate No. 10096-111 at a prison in Fort Dix, N.J. - sued the government last Nov. 18, saying he unfairly has not been transferred to Canada. He also complained that the Justice Department still hasn't decided whether to let him leave the U.S. despite his claims that "similarly situated applicants have been approved for removal to their home nations, which include Canada."

Danton asked U.S. District Judge William Stiehl, who sentenced him, to order a new sentencing and free him in the meantime. (WTF? :crazy:)

Federal prosecutors fired back Tuesday, arguing in filings in U.S. District Court here that no regulations require action on international transfers within a specified time. And Danton's deal did not require a transfer - only that he be considered for one.

The government also said that in pleading guilty in July 2004 to murder conspiracy charges related to what prosecutors said was his failed plot to kill his agent, David Frost, Danton waived his right to press on appeal his claim that the Justice Department must decide his transfer application within a certain time.

"Case law establishes that the Attorney General has unfettered discretion with respect to transfer decisions," the government's response to Danton's lawsuit reads, adding that Danton's transfer request remains under consideration.

No hearing on the dispute has been set. Sanford Boxerman, Danton's lawyer in the appeal, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

Danton, a 25-year-old native of Brampton, Ont., was convicted of orchestrating a conspiracy to commit interstate murder - a plot that targeted Frost after Frost had threatened to tell Blues management about Danton's self-destructive behaviours. The plot eventually unravelled, and Frost was unharmed.

In September 2004, a federal jury here acquitted Katie Wolfmeyer, 19, of Florissant, Mo., of charges she took part in the plot. Wolfmeyer claimed she did not know Danton was trying to hire a hit man when she introduced him over the phone to an acquaintance, Justin Levi Jones. Prosecutors said Danton offered Jones $10,000 US to kill Frost.

The plot was defused when Jones, a police dispatcher, went to authorities.

While Danton was being prosecuted, Frost insisted publicly that Danton sought to have him killed, but Danton never acknowledged in court that Frost was the intended victim. In Danton's resentencing request, however, Danton acknowledges he "engaged in an ill-considered plot to have killed his sports agent and longtime mentor, David Frost."

[rainweaver]

Well come on, you don't have to be crazy to know you don't want to be sitting in a New Jersey prison. Or New Jersey AT ALL, really. But the crux of the issue is that the sentence did say that he be deported to Canada. And he's still sitting in New Jersey 2 years later. That *is* the fault of the system. Either deport him, or let him out because the *system* isn't holding up it's end of the bargain. You'd think they'd be happy to be rid of him with the feredal overcrowding problems. He's a sick boy and needs some serious help, but he belongs to Canada, so let them pay for his treatment *shrugs*

[rainweaver]

Well come on, you don't have to be crazy to know you don't want to be sitting in a New Jersey prison. Or New Jersey AT ALL, really. But the crux of the issue is that the sentence did say that he be deported to Canada. And he's still sitting in New Jersey 2 years later. That *is* the fault of the system. Either deport him, or let him out because the *system* isn't holding up it's end of the bargain. You'd think they'd be happy to be rid of him with the feredal overcrowding problems. He's a sick boy and needs some serious help, but he belongs to Canada, so let them pay for his treatment *shrugs*

[rainweaver]

Well come on, you don't have to be crazy to know you don't want to be sitting in a New Jersey prison. Or New Jersey AT ALL, really. But the crux of the issue is that the sentence did say that he be deported to Canada. And he's still sitting in New Jersey 2 years later. That *is* the fault of the system. Either deport him, or let him out because the *system* isn't holding up it's end of the bargain. You'd think they'd be happy to be rid of him with the feredal overcrowding problems. He's a sick boy and needs some serious help, but he belongs to Canada, so let them pay for his treatment *shrugs*

[rainweaver]

Well come on, you don't have to be crazy to know you don't want to be sitting in a New Jersey prison. Or New Jersey AT ALL, really. But the crux of the issue is that the sentence did say that he be deported to Canada. And he's still sitting in New Jersey 2 years later. That *is* the fault of the system. Either deport him, or let him out because the *system* isn't holding up it's end of the bargain. You'd think they'd be happy to be rid of him with the feredal overcrowding problems. He's a sick boy and needs some serious help, but he belongs to Canada, so let them pay for his treatment *shrugs*

[rainweaver]

Well come on, you don't have to be crazy to know you don't want to be sitting in a New Jersey prison. Or New Jersey AT ALL, really. But the crux of the issue is that the sentence did say that he be deported to Canada. And he's still sitting in New Jersey 2 years later. That *is* the fault of the system. Either deport him, or let him out because the *system* isn't holding up it's end of the bargain. You'd think they'd be happy to be rid of him with the feredal overcrowding problems. He's a sick boy and needs some serious help, but he belongs to Canada, so let them pay for his treatment *shrugs*

[rainweaver]

Well come on, you don't have to be crazy to know you don't want to be sitting in a New Jersey prison. Or New Jersey AT ALL, really. But the crux of the issue is that the sentence did say that he be deported to Canada. And he's still sitting in New Jersey 2 years later. That *is* the fault of the system. Either deport him, or let him out because the *system* isn't holding up it's end of the bargain. You'd think they'd be happy to be rid of him with the feredal overcrowding problems. He's a sick boy and needs some serious help, but he belongs to Canada, so let them pay for his treatment *shrugs*

[rainweaver]

Well come on, you don't have to be crazy to know you don't want to be sitting in a New Jersey prison. Or New Jersey AT ALL, really. But the crux of the issue is that the sentence did say that he be deported to Canada. And he's still sitting in New Jersey 2 years later. That *is* the fault of the system. Either deport him, or let him out because the *system* isn't holding up it's end of the bargain. You'd think they'd be happy to be rid of him with the feredal overcrowding problems. He's a sick boy and needs some serious help, but he belongs to Canada, so let them pay for his treatment *shrugs*

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Oh I certainly agree. He should've been back in Canada a long time ago. However, I'm afraid of what could happen if he were just let free while he waited for a new trial. Not just something he could do, but there's Frost to worry about as well. He needs just as much help as Danton, IMO.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Oh I certainly agree. He should've been back in Canada a long time ago. However, I'm afraid of what could happen if he were just let free while he waited for a new trial. Not just something he could do, but there's Frost to worry about as well. He needs just as much help as Danton, IMO.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Oh I certainly agree. He should've been back in Canada a long time ago. However, I'm afraid of what could happen if he were just let free while he waited for a new trial. Not just something he could do, but there's Frost to worry about as well. He needs just as much help as Danton, IMO.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Oh I certainly agree. He should've been back in Canada a long time ago. However, I'm afraid of what could happen if he were just let free while he waited for a new trial. Not just something he could do, but there's Frost to worry about as well. He needs just as much help as Danton, IMO.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Oh I certainly agree. He should've been back in Canada a long time ago. However, I'm afraid of what could happen if he were just let free while he waited for a new trial. Not just something he could do, but there's Frost to worry about as well. He needs just as much help as Danton, IMO.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Oh I certainly agree. He should've been back in Canada a long time ago. However, I'm afraid of what could happen if he were just let free while he waited for a new trial. Not just something he could do, but there's Frost to worry about as well. He needs just as much help as Danton, IMO.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Oh I certainly agree. He should've been back in Canada a long time ago. However, I'm afraid of what could happen if he were just let free while he waited for a new trial. Not just something he could do, but there's Frost to worry about as well. He needs just as much help as Danton, IMO.

[rainweaver]

Trust me, a lot of people want Frost's head on a spike, Mike was just the first one to snap and try to act on it. And they shouldn't let him out. He's more a danger to himself than anyone. He needs serious, long-term help to undo the damage that monster did to him (and a lot of other boys who just managed to get away from him earlier and in a little better shape). If he's deported, his sentence gets commuted as time served, and he gets to go into therapy. That's really what's best. Frost will get what's coming to him, and now that his buddy isn't running things at the NHLPA anymore they are reviewing his status (that he should have never been given) as an agent. I've worked with abused people in a variety of venues, and I'm not the kind of girl a man like Frost wants to meet in a dark alley.

[rainweaver]

Trust me, a lot of people want Frost's head on a spike, Mike was just the first one to snap and try to act on it. And they shouldn't let him out. He's more a danger to himself than anyone. He needs serious, long-term help to undo the damage that monster did to him (and a lot of other boys who just managed to get away from him earlier and in a little better shape). If he's deported, his sentence gets commuted as time served, and he gets to go into therapy. That's really what's best. Frost will get what's coming to him, and now that his buddy isn't running things at the NHLPA anymore they are reviewing his status (that he should have never been given) as an agent. I've worked with abused people in a variety of venues, and I'm not the kind of girl a man like Frost wants to meet in a dark alley.

[rainweaver]

Trust me, a lot of people want Frost's head on a spike, Mike was just the first one to snap and try to act on it. And they shouldn't let him out. He's more a danger to himself than anyone. He needs serious, long-term help to undo the damage that monster did to him (and a lot of other boys who just managed to get away from him earlier and in a little better shape). If he's deported, his sentence gets commuted as time served, and he gets to go into therapy. That's really what's best. Frost will get what's coming to him, and now that his buddy isn't running things at the NHLPA anymore they are reviewing his status (that he should have never been given) as an agent. I've worked with abused people in a variety of venues, and I'm not the kind of girl a man like Frost wants to meet in a dark alley.

[rainweaver]

Trust me, a lot of people want Frost's head on a spike, Mike was just the first one to snap and try to act on it. And they shouldn't let him out. He's more a danger to himself than anyone. He needs serious, long-term help to undo the damage that monster did to him (and a lot of other boys who just managed to get away from him earlier and in a little better shape). If he's deported, his sentence gets commuted as time served, and he gets to go into therapy. That's really what's best. Frost will get what's coming to him, and now that his buddy isn't running things at the NHLPA anymore they are reviewing his status (that he should have never been given) as an agent. I've worked with abused people in a variety of venues, and I'm not the kind of girl a man like Frost wants to meet in a dark alley.

[rainweaver]

Trust me, a lot of people want Frost's head on a spike, Mike was just the first one to snap and try to act on it. And they shouldn't let him out. He's more a danger to himself than anyone. He needs serious, long-term help to undo the damage that monster did to him (and a lot of other boys who just managed to get away from him earlier and in a little better shape). If he's deported, his sentence gets commuted as time served, and he gets to go into therapy. That's really what's best. Frost will get what's coming to him, and now that his buddy isn't running things at the NHLPA anymore they are reviewing his status (that he should have never been given) as an agent. I've worked with abused people in a variety of venues, and I'm not the kind of girl a man like Frost wants to meet in a dark alley.

[rainweaver]

Trust me, a lot of people want Frost's head on a spike, Mike was just the first one to snap and try to act on it. And they shouldn't let him out. He's more a danger to himself than anyone. He needs serious, long-term help to undo the damage that monster did to him (and a lot of other boys who just managed to get away from him earlier and in a little better shape). If he's deported, his sentence gets commuted as time served, and he gets to go into therapy. That's really what's best. Frost will get what's coming to him, and now that his buddy isn't running things at the NHLPA anymore they are reviewing his status (that he should have never been given) as an agent. I've worked with abused people in a variety of venues, and I'm not the kind of girl a man like Frost wants to meet in a dark alley.

[rainweaver]

Trust me, a lot of people want Frost's head on a spike, Mike was just the first one to snap and try to act on it. And they shouldn't let him out. He's more a danger to himself than anyone. He needs serious, long-term help to undo the damage that monster did to him (and a lot of other boys who just managed to get away from him earlier and in a little better shape). If he's deported, his sentence gets commuted as time served, and he gets to go into therapy. That's really what's best. Frost will get what's coming to him, and now that his buddy isn't running things at the NHLPA anymore they are reviewing his status (that he should have never been given) as an agent. I've worked with abused people in a variety of venues, and I'm not the kind of girl a man like Frost wants to meet in a dark alley.

[nccanes]

Federal prosecutors fired back Tuesday, arguing in filings in U.S. District Court here that no regulations require action on international transfers within a specified time. And Danton's deal did not require a transfer - only that he be considered for one.


Sound like what the govt agreed to should be somewhere in black and white.

I agree Os#1, get him where he needs to be, but don't turn him loose in the meantime. If someone is going to acknowledge that he's not gotten the treatment/recovery that he needs, seems foolish to free him during some legal transition period.

Well come on, you don't have to be crazy to know you don't want to be sitting in a New Jersey prison. Or New Jersey AT ALL, really.

Paint with a broadbrush much? :roll:

[nccanes]

Federal prosecutors fired back Tuesday, arguing in filings in U.S. District Court here that no regulations require action on international transfers within a specified time. And Danton's deal did not require a transfer - only that he be considered for one.


Sound like what the govt agreed to should be somewhere in black and white.

I agree Os#1, get him where he needs to be, but don't turn him loose in the meantime. If someone is going to acknowledge that he's not gotten the treatment/recovery that he needs, seems foolish to free him during some legal transition period.

Well come on, you don't have to be crazy to know you don't want to be sitting in a New Jersey prison. Or New Jersey AT ALL, really.

Paint with a broadbrush much? :roll: