NHL gets called out following Bobby Ryan’s arrest for public intoxication

This has been a tough story to read. Bobby Ryan has been dealt many adversities in his life, starting with being on the run from the law with his Mom and Dad for his entire childhood to witnessing his dad’s physical abuse on his mother… As you may know, “Bobby Ryan” isn’t even his real name, Robert Shane Ryan created a new identity as a boy when he started playing hockey and getting real good at it.

But the NHL isn’t being good to Ryan and on Wednesday, following reports that he was arrested in Nashville for public intoxication, former NHL forward Brett Sopel called out the NHL for offering Ryan no help through his transition as he remains a free agent since 2021.

“The NHLs terrible substance program at work again. Absolutely no help in the transition. My heart goes out to Bobby. Call me and I’ll help you”

Back in February 2020, then-Ottawa Senators Ryan admitted to dealing with alcohol addiction and finally getting some help. He took an extended leave of absence from the Senators starting in November 2019 to enter the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, citing his issues with alcohol abuse. In a shortened season, due to COVID, Ryan still managed to put up eight points in 24 games and got a contract as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings. But it appears to have gone downhill from there. Not only did Ryan get released from his tryout in 2021-22 with the Wings, he has now hit rockbottom, getting arrested in Nashville.

According to Scoop Nashville, Ryan was arrested at the Nashville International Airport where a store reported that Ryan had taken items and left without paying and alerted Airport Police. Authorities took a look at the security cameras and noticed how 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.

The report indicates that Ryan was not compliant and was inebriated, so much so that he did not know where he was, the date, or the time, and could not stand on his own. He was booked into the Metro Nashville Jail on July 25th, charged with public intoxication, since the store declined prosecution on the recovered items. He was released with charges dismissed after the standard 8 hour public intox hold.

This is so unfortunately for Ryan who was awarded the NHL’s Masterton Trophy previously after a battle with alcohol abuse. The award goes to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

He has played in the NHL since his last game as a member of the Red Wings on March 28, 2021. While he may not be focused on a career back in the NHL, Ryan needs to get well.

And the NHL needs to get better at supporting past employees as well.

On Wednesday morning, Ryan made a statement following his arrest. He is grateful of the support he's gotten via messages and is getting back on the recovery road. It'd be nice for the NHL to reach out to him...