Detroit Red Wings

Ex-Red Wings Forward Ryan Arrested In Nashville

Forward Bobby Ryan, who spent the 2021 season with the Red Wings, was arrested Monday at Nashville Airport

Published

2 years ago

July 27, 2022

Bob Duff

Former Red Wings forward Bobby Ryan was jailed in Nashville for public intoxication.

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Bobby Ryan, who won the Masterton Trophy in 2020 after overcoming substance abuse issues and returning to play in the NHL, apparently has suffered a relapse.

Ryan, who spent the 2020-21 NHL season with the Red Wings, spent Monday in a Nashville jail. Police ended up placing him under arrest for public intoxication at the Nashville International Airport.

According to reporting from ScoopNashville.com, Ryan was seen taking several items from an airport store without paying. Airport police were given notification of this, setting out searching for Ryan. Abandoning the stolen items on a counter, Ryan ended up entering Little Harpeth Brewing with the police in pursuit. He was found sitting at the bar, awaiting a drink he’d just ordered.

#ScoopNashville — Professional Hockey Player Bobby Ryan arrested at Nashville Airport | @Bobbyry5409 https://t.co/aL2xsdfWjv pic.twitter.com/XM0ryrHWcH

— Scoop: Nashville (@scoopnash) July 27, 2022

According to the police report, Ryan was suffering from the effects of extreme intoxication. He was non-compliant with the officers. Upon questioning, he couldn’t tell the police officers the date, the time of day, or in fact where he was. He also struggled to stand on his own feet.

With the store opting not to press charges, Ryan was taken into custody, facing charges of public intoxication. Following the standard eight-hour public intoxication hold, police were giving Ryanhis release, dropping all charges.

Ryan Spent Time In NHL Substance Abuse Program

In November of 2019 when he was playing for the Ottawa Senators, Ryan was opting to enter into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, citing issues with alcohol abuse.

He made a return to the ice on Feb. 25, 2020, oddly enough in Nashville against the Predators. In his first home game back, Ryan scored a hat trick. September of 2020 saw presentation of the Masterton Trophy to him as the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

At the time, he spoke of his battle with alcoholism.

“Getting help and learning and becoming better in all aspects of my life is certainly better than the alternative and the way that I was headed,” he told NHL.com. “The things that I’ve learned about myself, the secondary life, the new life I’ve built. It means more to me than chasing the Cup.”

Signed With Detroit In 2020

The Red Wings were opting to sign Ryan as a free agent prior to the COVID-19 delayed 2021 NHL season. He would finish with 7-7-14 totals in 33 games.

Detroit wound up offering him a pro tryout invitation to training camp last season. However, nearing the end of the NHL preseason, the Red Wings were giving Ryan his release.