Source: 35-year-old storied NHL Hockey star Bobby Ryan, who has the assumed (and somewhat legal[link]) name of Robert Shane Ryan, was arrested in Nashville Monday at the Nashville International Airport. An airport store reported that Ryan had taken items and left without paying and alerted Airport Police, who observed him on security cameras. Ryan left the stolen items on a counter along his way and entered Little Harpeth Brewing, where officers found him seated at the bar ordering a drink. Police say he was not compliant with them, was extremely intoxicated, and did not know where he was, the date, or the time, and could not stand on his own. The store declined prosecution on the recovered items, and Ryan was jailed for public intoxication.
If you know anything about Bobby Ryan’s life story, this dude barely stood a chance.
Bobby’s had a fucked up life. From being on the run from the law with his Mom and Dad for his entire childhood to watching his dad serially abuse his mom for years – Bobby’s seen some shit. “Bobby Ryan” isn’t even his real name, FFS.
Two years ago, Bobby won the NHL’s Masterson award as the comeback player of the year after a stint in rehab for alcohol addiction. Yesterday he was arrested in an airport because he was so shithoused he couldn’t talk or stand up.
He relapsed. The arrest is a big deal because it adds a layer of chaos to a dude’s life who already can’t do life on life’s terms, but it’s not that big of a deal in terms of treatment. 85% of people who struggle with substance abuse relapse. It’s familiar and embarrassing but not fatal.
This is Bobby’s journey. Not yours or ours, and we can’t take his inventory. I mean, you can, but it’s an asshole move.
Bobby and anyone who wants to experience sobriety must decide when they’ve had enough. They can’t be shamed into it; it’s one lousy day set against hundreds of sober days. Bobby drank and experienced the natural consequences of drinking while in recovery. He only hurt himself. He’s the victim, and he’ll stay sober when he doesn’t want to be a victim anymore.
That’s the bottom line for anyone who relapses. They run into help and are desperate enough to stay in the help.
What a moment. Congrats Bobby Ryan hat trick first game back pic.twitter.com/MT3XfzAwbw
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 28, 2020
A year ago today Bobby Ryan scored a hat-trick in one of the most emotional games ever played in Ottawa. It was also one of the most important interviews I ever did. I will always cheer for Bobby Ryan. #sens https://t.co/r0x97YXAXD via @YouTube
— Brent Wallace (@Freeagentwally) February 27, 2021
Bobby will get back up if he wants to.
Bobby will get better if his tired of this and commits to learning about why he drinks. If he doesn’t, that’s his business and misery to battle. Not yours or mine.
I hope Bobby wants to be well, but Bobby might not like it, and that’s his prerogative. That’s his inventory. I can only tell you there’s nothing more freeing than not being chained to the shame and chaos of addiction, and I wish the very best for Bobby.
You should too.
