updated 4:12 p.m. ET May 8, 2004

Mike Danton of the St. Louis Blues claims in his first public statement since being arrested on federal murder-for-hire charges that he was emotionally and physically abused during his childhood, a newspaper reported Saturday.

Danton called the St. Louis Post-Dispatch from jail Friday night and read a statement that focused on his relationship with his estranged parents, outlining allegations of “constant physical and emotional abuse” and saying he was raised in squalid conditions.

His parents and family friends have disputed those accusations but his agent, Dave Frost, and best friends have made similar statements.

At a detention hearing Friday, federal prosecutors said Danton had plotted for at least six months to kill Frost and tried at least three times to hire a hit man. Frost has consistently denied that Danton wanted him killed.

More on Danton Danton's lawyers argues for change of venue Judge tells Danton ‘keep your mouth shut" Danton rips parents in statement from jail cell Prosecution says evidence against Danton strong Duff: Danton's troubled past catches up to him Danton found trouble on, off the ice Agent denies he was target Teammates shocked   Return to NHL front

Danton did not address the charges Friday night or answer any questions. He said he was feeling “OK, under the circumstances, you know.”

His attorney, Robert Haar, said he was unaware that his client was going to issue the statement.

Danton’s mother, brother and aunt were in the courthouse for Friday’s hearing but he did not acknowledge them.

Danton, who grew up Mike Jefferson but legally changed his name two years ago, thanked Frost, his friends and the St. Louis Blues organization and players in his statement, and then criticized his family.

“Their deceptions and lies throughout the past three weeks are a sign of the erratic lifestyle that I have lived. I have changed my last name to fully distance myself from the Jeffersons and in no means have had or will have anything to do with them in the future,” he said.

The statement was read to Danton’s father, Stephen Jefferson.

“I’m really hurt by it. His mother will be floored,” Jefferson said.

“It hurts the family to hear that type of nonsense from him, but it just shows how badly Mike needs help,” Jefferson said.

Danton said he wrote the statement, but Frost phoned the Post-Dispatch to arrange Danton’s call.

Danton was arrested April 16 in San Jose, Calif., a day after the San Jose Sharks knocked the Blues out of the NHL playoffs. He and an alleged accomplice are charged with plotting a murder for hire.

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