Hockey Manager Accused of Domestic Violence in 911 Call

Thaddeus “Teddy” Richards, an equipment manager for both the Florida Panthers and the U.S. Men's National Hockey Team, is accused of violently assaulting his wife following a domestic dispute at their Coral Springs, Florida, home. The allegations surfaced in a 911 call made by his wife on July 17.

According to the released audio, Richards' spouse reported that the altercation began during a birthday celebration for their son. She told the dispatcher that Richards became aggressive after she questioned him about accepting a business card from a friend of her sister, whom she suspected him of flirting with. The wife stated that Richards responded by telling her she "suck[s]" and that he wanted a divorce.

She admitted to throwing a cup of water on Richards, after which she claims he began hitting her repeatedly. "He was hitting me so hard," the woman said in the call, adding that Richards threw her phone and she feared he would wake their children. Although she stated Richards hit her multiple times on the head and face, she reported no physical injuries beyond her head spinning.

Body camera footage released to the California Post shows officers responding to the scene. The woman reiterated her account, telling officers that Richards "lost it" after she threw the water, pushed her against a wall, and made holes in it. Richards, in his conversation with officers, acknowledged a physical altercation but denied hitting his wife. He claimed she became physical with him and was a "liar."

Richards admitted to breaking his wife's phone during the incident. He was arrested and booked on charges of misdemeanor battery/domestic violence and unauthorized use of 911 services. However, the case was dismissed several days later after the alleged victim signed a waiver of prosecution, indicating she would not cooperate with the proceedings.

Despite the case dismissal, Richards remains suspended by the Florida Panthers. General manager Bill Zito stated in August that the team was not yet prepared to make a further statement on the allegations but would do so at an appropriate time. The Panthers organization did not respond to requests for comment. Richards, 43, has been with the Panthers since 2016 and joined Team USA in 2025. He previously worked for the Pittsburgh Penguins.