http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/509770.html?nav=5010

I wouldn't like to be in Lutai's shoes when Mr Mishin gets hold of him......

"A Russian figure skater in town to compete in this weekend's Skate America event was arrested for allegedly stealing a car from a local garage and driving drunk."



OMG

I'm not sure whether I am supposed to laugh or cry ... sounds a bit like a comedy at first ...

what???? what??? i can't believe what i'm reading. he stole a car, really? omg !!! he must be a complete moron, really.

Another article about Lutai's arrest:

http://www.pressrepublican.com/0100_news/local_story_321093939.html

Thanks a lot for the explanation, Mary!

Here are a couple more bits of information in re the Lutai mess: first, he didn't merely steal any old car. To have gotten a charge of third-degree grand theft, the vehicle had to be worth more than $3,000 but less than $50,000. Second, his bail was set at $100,000 because he would be considered to be a flight risk from prosecution. Third, in addition, the authorities would have confiscated his passport and whatever visa or green card papers he had with him.

Just as a disclaimer, LOL, I'm not an attorney nor a paralegal. The information I've gotten is from a very bare-bones research I did earlier today.

I have no clue as to how the judge will view his case. My hope is that it will be regarded as a first timer's offence and he gets off with a much reduced sentence and no jail time. He will, most certainly, be evicted from the US. In the long run there are additional consequence to his idiotic actions and these pertain to his abilities to get into certain countries (to compete, etc) because he has commited felonies. Certain countries won't admit him for any length of time because of that. I believe Canada is one of them, and certainly the US as well. I'm sure there are other countries who would bar him from entry for any reason. All that will just about kill off his chances to continue to compete as an elite figure skater, I think.

Mary C.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/17112009/58/russian-skater-lutai-arrested.html

I don't know what to say. I hope it doesn't affect his professional career.

This incident with Lutai has been widely discussed throughout russian mass media lately,apart from our main topic - russian soccer players who have not qualified for the Worlds,but ok lol
So Lutai...I have nothing to say actually,except that it's poor and disappointing that a figure skater gains the popularity not for his career highlands,but for his awful deeds!Even those russian people who know nothing about figure skating are aware of Lutai now.He has become a national "star" wow Speaking seriously,i've read some articles with Piseev's comments on this matter,and he let us know that it's not the first time for Lutai to perform such a mess,however last time it was less harmful...I guess it's kind of final for his career...It's sad,but it's the truth.I remember smn claimed that his ISU profile was filled with : -I dont drink- as a reply to the question about alcohol...Well,Andrei is innocent

Russian federation decided to exclude him from the national team until Nov. 15, 2010. So, no Olys for Lutai.
http://www.reuters.com/article/olympicsNews/idUSGEE5AO1OX20091125

Thanks for the article, Malgosia.

I guess I'm not all that surprised that the Russian Fed. has taken this action. It's a shame, for sure, but he screwed up in a huge way in a foreign country. The only thing in his favor, at this time, is that he didn't injure or kill anyone when he was behind the wheel. I suspect that Lutai's competitive skating career is over as I can't imagine the Russian Federation would want to waste its time with him, unless there is nobody else who can compete and win on a regular basis. It is doubtful that he'll get a chance at another Olympics. Well, I hope the other young up-and-coming Russian figure skaters learn from Andrei's mistake, basicly don't do totally stupid things in a foreign country or you'll pay for it dearly.

Mary C.

Hmm ohh Lutai Lutai I'm gonn miss him on Olympic game

I have a question for you Mary:

What if he doesn't have an international drivers license. Is he allowed to drive with his Russian license for a while in the US or it will be violation of law?

Anyhow, It a shame for an athlete. He actually ruined everything.

http://adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/509821.html?nav=5008

Well, some good news but it hurts to see him in jail uniform.