Ex-nanny of Predators' Mike Ribeiro accuses him of assault in lawsuit

A former nanny of Nashville Predators center Mike Ribeiro has filed a lawsuit that accuses him of assaulting her and his wife of threatening her,

A former nanny of Nashville Predators center Mike Ribeiro filed a lawsuit against the player that accuses him of assaulting her and his wife of threatening her, according to the Associated Press. TMZ first reported the lawsuit.

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According to the AP, the lawsuit was filed last July and alleges Ribeiro caused "body injury" when he acted "intentionally, knowingly and recklessly," and alleges his wife "made inappropriate comments and/or threats." 

The attorney of the woman who filed the lawsuit told the AP that Ribeiro sexually assaulted the woman shortly after she graduated high school. He also said the alleged assault occurred when Ribeiro was between his time with the Dallas Stars and the Washington Capitals.

In a statement, Ribeiro's attorney said that the player and his wife "plan to vigorously fight this lawsuit."

"Mike has indicated that the charge is without merit and is prepared to vigorously defend himself," the statement said. "We will allow the legal process to move forward without further comment."

The woman is seeking over $1 million in damages, according to the AP.

Ribeiro is in his first season with Nashville after being released by the Coyotes last year for what the team said was behavioral reasons. He has 52 points in 65 games this season. 

- Molly Geary