Jaromir Jagr at 52 years of age, began what's expected to be his 37th and final professional season with his hometown Kladno Knights this summer.
As a player and the team owner, Jagr has done his on and off-ice roles. Now, he's facing a serious issue off the ice: the City of Kladno has terminated the team's lease on their home arena, citing missed payments.
The city claims Jagr didn't pay a recent six-month lease fee for the arena and reportedly asked for extra time but hasn't responded to calls about the matter.
This led the city to cancel the lease, leaving the future of the team's home uncertain.
Jagr has until the end of the season to renegotiate a lease.
Milan Volf, the mayor of Kladno and a former Kladno Knights player, noted that arena revenue goes directly to Jagr and the team.
Volf also took a shot at Jagr:
While Jagr's contributions to Czech hockey are enormous, this lease issue has created a strain with the city. The terminated lease is initially set to last until 2032, was signed in 2013, and now leaves the teams' future in question.
Jagr and the Kladno Knights have yet to respond to the reports, leaving fans waiting to see if the legend can secure a new agreement to keep the team in its home arena.
POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 4 | 36 ANSWERS NHL Legend Jaromir Jagr Faces Serious Legal Troubles That Could Force Him Into Retiring From Hockey Do you think Jaromir Jagr will overcome this legal battle and continue playing hockey, the sport he loves? | ||
Yes | 17 | 47.2 % |
No, he'll retire | 19 | 52.8 % |
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