Here is a story about a Russian hockey player who currently plays in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers. He was arrested in Arizona and charged with misdemeanor dui.
What would happen if he just left the NHL and went to play in the Russian KHL hockey league. I assume the Arizona court would issue a warrant for his arrest for missing his trial. However, I can’t imagine anyone being extradited over a misdemeanor charge.
What would happen if he stayed in the NHL but still missed the trial? If he didn’t enter Arizona, would another US city’s police likely arrest him when the Oilers are visiting? What if he was in a Canadian city?
You assume correctly. A warrant would be issued, but that would be all.
If he set foot in the US, there are any number of DA/SAs that would love to direct his arrest and transport to Arizona. States/cities co-operate in things like that, because you never know what side of the deal you will be on the next time. If the Oilers played at The Pond in Anaheim, you can bet the Anaheim Police Dept. would be waiting for him when the plane landed.
It is highly doubtful Arizona will pay the the extradiction and transportation of someone for a misdeamor warrant from another state, especially in this day of tight budgets. My SIL’s cousin is wanted in Arizona for a felony and they won’t pay to extradite. He has been tossed in jail a couple of times an released a few weeks later.
In the case of a pro athlete, his agent (usually at attorney) will pay the fines and insures nothing bad happens to his client.
In fact, the US Constitution requires states to detain and extradite criminals (or suspects) wanted in other states upon request. But as racer pointed out, they rarely are willing to go to the trouble for a misdemeanor charge.