Theo Fleury Sexually Abused By Junior Hockey Coach
Total Pro Sports - In Theo Fleury's new book, he admits that he was sexually abused by his former junior hockey coach Graham James. While this is disturbing and shocking to everyone, it wasn't unexpected. In fact, it has been long suspected that Fleury was the victim of abuse by James. There's disturbing, and then there's DISTURBING. This is the second kind.
In 1997, Sheldon Kennedy, another NHL player, confessed to being abused by James which led to his conviction of sexual abuse. Many since then have suspected that Fleury was a victim as well, since he was coached by James.
In his upcoming book, "Playing with Fire", Fleury also reveals that he had failed 13 drug tests during his time in the NHL but was never prevented from playing. His addictions did lead to his eventual suspension from the NHL in 2003 and after a failed comeback attempt, the end of his playing career.
While his former team, the Flames, are looking to have a decent season, this is a crushing story. Fleury was a hero to many and this is another tragic tale to add to what had already been a history riddled with controversy and problems. Were his future problems related to the incidents he was involved in with James? It's impossible to imagine that they were not. Either way this is a shocking moment for all fans of hockey and sports in general.
Theo's secret - [CalgarySun]
Sheldon Kennedy: "I hope Theo’s ready for what’s going to come out” - [CalgaryHerald]
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Most people who self-destruct like he did have something that triggered it from their past, and he was no exception, apparently.
Do you guys ever read what you write? How can this guy revealing a painful memory, of which is a crucial step to his healing process, be labeled as “….another tragic tale to add to what had already been a history riddled with controversy and problems”? Explain that to me please. This guy is revealing a darkness that has been the core to his problems since the abuse began. Notice the word “abuse” there guy? Why don’t you do a little research on Childhood Sexual abuse before you decide to write about it in your column. To me this makes him more hero as to admit this happened is one of the bravest things a man can do.
@Mike: You make a good point. Although that was not the intention of my post, I can see how those words would be interpreted that way. Of course it took courage for him to admit it. I just meant that him being abused is another dark chapter for this man, as opposed to the fact that he admitted it. What I didn’t mean to imply was that it was somehow his fault or wrong of him to have admitted it or to have experienced it. Just that it was a sad dark chapter for Theo.
I will do my best to be more careful with my wording in the future, especially with such a delicate topic. Thanks for the feedback!