UPDATE
9:34 AM PT — Ryan is breaking his silence on the arrest … saying on his Twitter page Wednesday, “Today is day 1 (again). Mostly embarrassed, but I shouldn’t be. Today I’m waking up and choosing better.”
UPDATE
Ryan also thanked all his fans, friends and family who sent him messages.
UPDATE
“Thank you for all of them.”
NHL star Bobby Ryan — who has battled substance abuse issues throughout his career — was arrested Monday at an airport after police said he appeared wasted inside a terminal.
According to court documents, obtained by TMZ Sportsthe incident happened at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee … after Ryan allegedly shoplifted items.
Cops in the documents say Ryan was caught on CCTV taking the goods without paying for them, before placing them on a counter and going into a bar near the lobby.
According to the documents, officers made contact with Ryan, who they say was trying to order a drink at the bar, and they say he showed signs of intoxication.
According to authorities, the 35-year-old man, who most recently played for the Detroit Red Wings, “was not compliant with officers, had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage.”
In the documents, police say Ryan was eventually taken into custody, where they claim he was unable to stand without support.
“Ryan was unaware of his location, day or time and was a danger to himself,” cops said in the documents.
Finally, the hockey player was accused of public intoxication. Court records show the case has been dismissed. It is not yet known why, we have reached out to prosecutors but have not heard back.
Ryan has been open about his substance abuse issues in the past — he stepped away from the NHL in 2019 to get sober. He returned to the famous ice just a few months later for the Ottawa Senators and he got a hat trick in their first home game. He was emotional both during and after the contest.
Play video content
February 2020
Ottawa Senators
Ryan went on this season to win the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best demonstrates perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication.
The former Anaheim Ducks star did not play in the league last season.
Originally Posted — 7:18 AM PT
