Former Czech Extraliga champion David Hruška has received a one-year suspended sentence for his involvement in handling stolen mountain bikes, according to a ruling from the Sokolov District Court.
The 49-year-old forward, who won five league titles during his 12-year career in the Czech Extraliga, was convicted of legalizing proceeds from criminal activity after purchasing two mountain bikes at a low price, knowing they were stolen. He later attempted to resell them for profit.
Prosecutors had originally charged Hruška with direct participation in the theft of the bikes from a residential building’s basement in January 2023, but the court found insufficient evidence to prove his involvement in the burglary. He was acquitted of charges related to theft and violation of domestic peace.
Hruška admitted he visited the building with the man later convicted of the theft and saw bicycles in the basement but claimed he left without taking anything. The following day, the acquaintance called offering the bikes for sale, and Hruška accepted them without questioning their origin.
Throughout his professional career, Hruška played for clubs including Vsetín, Slavia Praha, Litvínov, and Karlovy Vary, appearing in 859 Extraliga games and recording 303 goals and 214 assists. He was twice the league’s top scorer and represented the Czech national team before retiring in 2019 at age 42.
The court noted Hruška’s expression of remorse and his lack of prior criminal record when issuing the suspended sentence. He did not appeal the verdict.
