Panthers equipment manager arrest stems from argument after party, police report says

New details have emerged regarding the Friday arrest of Florida Panthers equipment manager Thaddeus “Teddy” Richards, who is facing misdemeanor charges of touch or strike/battery/domestic violence and unauthorized use of 911 services. According to a police report, obtained Monday by the Miami Herald, Richards and his wife were celebrating a birthday party at their Coral Springs home on Thursday. Richards’ wife thought he was flirting with someone at the party and “threw a little bit of water at him” after guests left. Richards “reacted by pushing her against the wall before hitting her multiple times with both hands on her face and on top of her head.” Richards then took her phone when she threatened to call police, according to the report. According to the police narrative, she then took and used his phone to call police, who arrived at the house shortly after midnight Friday. While at the house, police saw “broken glass and signs of a struggle in both the living room and bedroom” but “did not observe any injuries,” according to the report. Richards was booked into the Broward Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale. Richards’ wife is not planning to pursue charges or give a sworn statement, according to the report. The Panthers in a statement Friday said they have been “made aware of an incident involving the arrest of Equipment Manager Teddy Richards” and that Richards is suspended from all team activities and facilities “pending investigation.” Richards has been the Panthers’ equipment manager since the 2016-17 season. He also served in that role for Team USA at both the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February 2025 and the Winter Olympics this past February.