Blues players object to media portrayal

ST. LOUIS -- Text of a statement about St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton released Thursday by St. Louis Blues players:

"We are releasing this statement because we believe our teammate Mike Danton is being unfairly portrayed by the media. Mike is our teammate and friend who has battled hard every night on the ice for us all and played with no fear. He was immediately accepted into our locker room as a jovial, fun to be around, yet focused teammate.

"As teammates, we want to lend our support to Mike Danton and tell everyone about the player and person we know. The media's portrayal of Mike has not been balanced and has not accurately reflected the character of the person we have spent the past 215-plus days with.

"We want Mike Danton and the public to know that we support him, are here for him and will stand by him during this difficult time."

-- AP