Theo Fleury Suspended for 6 Months

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Fleury suspended by NHL

TSN.ca Staff
4/11/2003

Chicago Blackhawks forward Theo Fleury has been suspended for at least six months without pay for violating terms of the NHL's substance abuse program.

A statement from the NHL and NHL Players Association says Fleury has been placed in Stage 3 of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program. It did not elaborate on the reason for the suspension.

Stage 4 - the final step - of the NHL and NHLPA program involves suspension for at least one season.

As part of the program, Fleury is tested randomly for drugs and alcohol three times a week.

Fleury will be eligible to apply for reinstatement following the suspension.

Speculation has surrounded Fleury's future with the Blackhawks since the season ended. There has been talk that the team will attempt to buy him out of the final year of his $8.5-million contract, which he signed last summer.

"I can't see them writing a check and letting me go on my merry way," Fleury told the Chicago Tribune last week. "I would like the opportunity to earn that contract."

Fleury indicated he would remain in Chicago this summer and would hire a personal trainer so that he could be in the best shape possible for the start of next season.

Fleury was suspended for the first 25 games of the NHL season after violating terms of his aftercare program.

There was also a celebrated incident outside a Columbus strip club in mid-January. While he was not disciplined for his actions, the incident triggered a late season slide for the Blackhawks. The team also placed him on waivers prior to the NHL tradeline, increasing speculation that the team were interested in ending their association with him.

Fleury first entered the substance abuse program towards the end of the 2000-2001 season while a member of the New York Rangers. He missed 20 games.

Fleury finished with 12 goals and 33 points, his lowest point total since he entered the NHL with the Calgary Flames back in 1988-89.

Fleury is a seven-time NHL all-star and was a member of Canada's team that won Olympic gold last February in Salt Lake City.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Fleury suspended by NHL

TSN.ca Staff
4/11/2003

Chicago Blackhawks forward Theo Fleury has been suspended for at least six months without pay for violating terms of the NHL's substance abuse program.

A statement from the NHL and NHL Players Association says Fleury has been placed in Stage 3 of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program. It did not elaborate on the reason for the suspension.

Stage 4 - the final step - of the NHL and NHLPA program involves suspension for at least one season.

As part of the program, Fleury is tested randomly for drugs and alcohol three times a week.

Fleury will be eligible to apply for reinstatement following the suspension.

Speculation has surrounded Fleury's future with the Blackhawks since the season ended. There has been talk that the team will attempt to buy him out of the final year of his $8.5-million contract, which he signed last summer.

"I can't see them writing a check and letting me go on my merry way," Fleury told the Chicago Tribune last week. "I would like the opportunity to earn that contract."

Fleury indicated he would remain in Chicago this summer and would hire a personal trainer so that he could be in the best shape possible for the start of next season.

Fleury was suspended for the first 25 games of the NHL season after violating terms of his aftercare program.

There was also a celebrated incident outside a Columbus strip club in mid-January. While he was not disciplined for his actions, the incident triggered a late season slide for the Blackhawks. The team also placed him on waivers prior to the NHL tradeline, increasing speculation that the team were interested in ending their association with him.

Fleury first entered the substance abuse program towards the end of the 2000-2001 season while a member of the New York Rangers. He missed 20 games.

Fleury finished with 12 goals and 33 points, his lowest point total since he entered the NHL with the Calgary Flames back in 1988-89.

Fleury is a seven-time NHL all-star and was a member of Canada's team that won Olympic gold last February in Salt Lake City.

[Jeff O Rocks]

Two words... dumb as s!!! :mad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Two words... dumb as s!!! :mad:

[Alicia]

Since I don't know first-hand, I can only imagine how hard it must be to break an addiction...

[Alicia]

Since I don't know first-hand, I can only imagine how hard it must be to break an addiction...

[StormShaman]

Theo, take my advice:

RETIRE.

[StormShaman]

Theo, take my advice:

RETIRE.

[talkingcanes]

Theo should think long and hard about getting his life together and getting away from hockey. He obviously can't stay sober while playing hockey.

I'm sure his family would rather have him sober and healthy. if he has a wife and children, he owes them the effort it takes to put his life in order and keep it in order.

Not to have gotten addicted would be the best way, but he took another path and has to face that if he wants a decent future for himself and his family.

[talkingcanes]

Theo should think long and hard about getting his life together and getting away from hockey. He obviously can't stay sober while playing hockey.

I'm sure his family would rather have him sober and healthy. if he has a wife and children, he owes them the effort it takes to put his life in order and keep it in order.

Not to have gotten addicted would be the best way, but he took another path and has to face that if he wants a decent future for himself and his family.

[Shell]

A progress report on Theo Fleury
TSN.ca Staff
11/12/2003

Theo Fleury was eligible to apply for reinstatement as an active NHL player on October 11th, but that application was never made. The reason would now appear to be obvious.

Sources in Chicago have confirmed that for an unspecified, but apparently significant, period of time, Fleury dropped out of the joint NHL-NHL Players Association substance abuse and behavioral health program. The only hope Fleury has of ever playing in the NHL again is being part of that program, which includes medical counseling, testing and treatment. Ultimately, it is the program's medical staff which will determine Fleury's fate as a hockey player.

Now there are some stories floating around that perhaps Fleury has, in the last week, gone back to the program but whether Fleury has rejoined or remains AWOL, it's safe to assume that Fleury's application for reinstatement won't be coming any time soon, if at all.

Mind you, if he were to be reinstated at some point, it could cause some discomfort for the Chicago Blackhawks, who would then be obliged to fulfill the terms of his contract. Blackhawks' coach Brian Sutter is a huge Fleury fan but, after what the Hawks went through last season with Fleury, it's difficult to imagine they would ever have him back in the lineup. But then that's a discussion best saved if Fleury should ever get to the point where he's cleared to play.

In the meantime, though, Fleury has many friends and supporters in the NHL community and they're all hoping Fleury is able to get his life on track, with or without hockey.

[Guyute]

nothing like seeing talent and opportunity flushed down the drain. :roll:

way to go Theo.

[lvscolencanes]

Well here is my 2 cents, I have had know people that had to deal with alcohol additions, and I know one of the main things of overcoming addictions is having something to focus your time on, and if playing in the NHL doesnt help him and give him the desire to want to do good, then nothing will. I hope he does find the good way in his life, but doesnt look like he really wants to by that article. :sad:

[StormShaman]

Theo's to the point where he'll need to hit rock-bottom before he finally has the proverbial "moment of clarity" and realizes that if he wants to live he's going to have to get sober and stay sober.

I just hope that "rock-bottom" won't wind up being "six feet under in a pine box". :(

[lvscolencanes]

Theo's to the point where he'll need to hit rock-bottom before he finally has the proverbial "moment of clarity" and realizes that if he wants to live he's going to have to get sober and stay sober.

I just hope that "rock-bottom" won't wind up being "six feet under in a pine box". :(

Very true bout the rock bottom. I hope too its not too late. Very sad that much talent thrown down the drain, but he needs to take care of himself first! :sad: