Graham James sexual assault

[chippa13 1844]

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=4545993

Theo Fleury acknowledges he was sexually abused by junior coach Graham James, a convicted sex offender, while he played for James, and attributes that to driving him to alcohol and drugs during his NHL career, according to a new autobiography making waves in the Canadian media.

I doubt there are many folks out there who didn't think this was the other "unnamed NHL player" involved in the Graham James fiasco.

[Chadd 916]

There was always some speculation regarding Sakic as well.

[tro 4]

I may not fully have the know here and can't imagine what he went through, but I always found it troubling that Fleury, 1 of the start up investors of the Calgary Hitmen wouldn't have spoken up when they made James GM and Coach. There are no reports he did anything to a Hitmen player, but you would think Fleury would have done something to prevent him from being a coach on a team he was involved with.

[furlanitalia 1]

Terrible, terrible news to hear. Hard to imagine what he went through. Glad his life is coming around.

[tro 4]

I stand corrected to some degree

from Wiki

"James organized a group of eighteen investors in the club, including star National Hockey League players Theoren Fleury and Joe Sakic along with Bret Hart, famous for his exploits in the World Wrestling Federation"

So James brought Theo in, I personally think Theo should have done something to stop James from Coaching kids. Like I said, can't imagine for a sec what he went through and how hard it would be to come forward, but if James had molested kids on the Hitmen, wouldn't some blame fall on Fleury for not speaking up.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I stand corrected to some degree

from Wiki

"James organized a group of eighteen investors in the club, including star National Hockey League players Theoren Fleury and Joe Sakic along with Bret Hart, famous for his exploits in the World Wrestling Federation"

So James brought Theo in, I personally think Theo should have done something to stop James from Coaching kids. Like I said, can't imagine for a sec what he went through and how hard it would be to come forward, but if James had molested kids on the Hitmen, wouldn't some blame fall on Fleury for not speaking up.

Fear and shame have a hell of a way of messing with you. I'm sure he wanted to say something...but wasn't ready to be public about it.

[skeeter14 0]

it's a terrible tragedy.......helps to explain at least a little why theo lost his head a bit. Can't blame him for a second either.

[chippa13 1844]

Kennedy had similar problems to Fleury with drinking. James didn't get what he deserved, not be a longshot.

[tips09 0]

I stand corrected to some degree

from Wiki

"James organized a group of eighteen investors in the club, including star National Hockey League players Theoren Fleury and Joe Sakic along with Bret Hart, famous for his exploits in the World Wrestling Federation"

Interesting how Sakic is involved in that group...

[chippa13 1844]

Sakic was a junior teammate of Sheldon Kennedy, hence the speculation that he was the other unnamed NHLer.

[shooter27 116]

The most disturbing thing is that James is still coaching junior hockey, now in another country where they may not know about his past.

[The Mafia Line 0]

That's horrible. What country would let that happen.

[CAmmon 2]

Spain

[shotty 7]

local media here that featured the story said james got 31 years in prison, not 3 years. idiots.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

Does anyone have the book yet?

[interpathway 9]

Just got it. Gotta love retail connections at Barnes and Noble. Will update with my thoughts, I've only heard good things of the book as a read.

[interpathway 9]

"A 50 million dollar career gone up my nose, down my throat and into the hands of casino dealers across the country".

[Theo 1]

I definitely have to pick up the book.

Not surprised to find out of his past, and it is quite sad.

[shotty 7]

"A 50 million dollar career gone up my nose, down my throat and into the hands of casino dealers across the country".

insane.

[Monty22 833]

I'm going to assume his comments about the shortcomings of the NHL's drug testing program will preclude him from working for the league advising new players. Too bad- seemed like it would be a good fit, keeping him around the game and using all the crap he's been through to help others.

[interpathway 9]

I'm going to assume his comments about the shortcomings of the NHL's drug testing program will preclude him from working for the league advising new players. Too bad- seemed like it would be a good fit, keeping him around the game and using all the crap he's been through to help others.

From what I've read (120 pages in), he said that he repeatedly failed the NHLPA's drug tests, to the tune of thirteen in a row. He knew his power as a top six (top three, who are we kidding) forward and knew the NHLPA would keep letting it slide. Of course he eventually used his newborn child's urine to pass the tests without any worry, but as we all know that has got to be another story for later in the book.

Reading the book, it sounds as if Fleury is speaking directly. Lots of "fuckers", and he calls out a bunch of people, something I wish I didn't see in this book (not including the creep Graham). An excerpt to gauge how you'd react...

"This sent us to OT and 35 minutes of the best hockey a guy could ask for-until Kerry Fraser made an unbelievable call".

It would've been fine if Theo had just stopped at that, but as seems the case with his personality, he keeps going out at (completely on an unrelated tangent for at least one full paragraph).

"I always thought he was jealous of me because, although he had one inch on me, he was a small guy who was only reffing, not playing,in the NHL..."

And his thoughts on a former coach, off on another tangent that adds nothing to the book.

"Dave: have you ever gone out and fought to change the momentum of a game in your life? Unless you are willing to do it, you can't tell somebody else to go out and fight. You've got to show it to the team, otherwise keep your fucking mouth shut and coach".

[hawks19 0]

I'm reading the book as well, and I have to agree with interpathway some of the stuff said just is unneeded and too far. I like the book as far as the story it is telling, but I find it pretty poorly written... At the end of the day it is about the story, though, and it is truly crazy everything he went through, and I am enjoying the book.

[interpathway 9]

At the end of the day it is about the story, though, and it is truly crazy everything he went through, and I am enjoying the book.

Ditto. Still a good story to read.

[JR Boucicaut 3802]

We're all stoked that you got the book, but some of us would like to read it. Thanks ;)

[interpathway 9]

Haha sorry guys. Maybe someone would like to add a **Spoiler Alert** in the title. Enjoy it guys!