Hockey fans should be happy there's not a strike protracted off-season, or there'd be no more players left.
Wade Belak was the third NHL player to kill himself during in as many months. He follows other enforcers Rick Rypien and Derek Boogaard who also suffered from combinations of depression and protracted pain from the rigors of playing. The league issued a statement saying that while each case is unique the "tragic events cannot be ignored", while pledging to review the substance abuse and behavioral health programs available to players. "We want individuals to feel comfortable seeking help when they need help," the statement said.
Suicide has struck all over sports in recent months: former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Mike Flanagan, U.S. Olympic aerial skier Jeret "Speedy" Peterson, former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu, former Duke basketball captain Thomas Emma; Austrian Olympic judoka Claudia Heill, former Pro Bowl safety Dave Duerson and former San Jose Sharks farmhand Tom Cavanagh.
It's hard to show weakness and deal with issues in a culture of winning and toughness, but even champions and elite athletes have the same struggles as the average fan. In other news, Michael Vick signed a contract worth $100 million, so either he's real happy or may be a threat to himself.
Wade Belak was the third NHL player to kill himself during in as many months. He follows other enforcers Rick Rypien and Derek Boogaard who also suffered from combinations of depression and protracted pain from the rigors of playing. The league issued a statement saying that while each case is unique the "tragic events cannot be ignored", while pledging to review the substance abuse and behavioral health programs available to players. "We want individuals to feel comfortable seeking help when they need help," the statement said.
Suicide has struck all over sports in recent months: former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Mike Flanagan, U.S. Olympic aerial skier Jeret "Speedy" Peterson, former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu, former Duke basketball captain Thomas Emma; Austrian Olympic judoka Claudia Heill, former Pro Bowl safety Dave Duerson and former San Jose Sharks farmhand Tom Cavanagh.
It's hard to show weakness and deal with issues in a culture of winning and toughness, but even champions and elite athletes have the same struggles as the average fan. In other news, Michael Vick signed a contract worth $100 million, so either he's real happy or may be a threat to himself.
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