NHL suspends Samueli, length decided in August

Corona del Mar resident Henry Samueli, the owner of the Anaheim Ducks who pleaded guilty Monday to lying to the Securities and Exchange Commission about his involvement in a stock option scandal, has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the length of the suspension will be determined after Samueli is sentenced Aug. 18.

During his suspension, Samueli can have no involvement in the team’s activities or daily business. Chief Executive Officer Michael Schulman will be responsible for the team’s operations.

“I respect the decision made by Commissioner Bettman and will abide by the terms of the suspension,” Samueli said in a statement released by the Ducks. “I’m confident the team will be in great hands in my absence.”

Samueli said his wife, Susan, would also give up her role as co-owner to “avoid any improper appearance.”

Samueli, 53, the co-founder of the chipmaker Broadcom Corp., entered the guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana on Monday.

Federal prosecutors have recommended a sentence of five years probation and a $12.2 million fine.

— From staff reports