Fired Dallas Stars coach Jim Montgomery is seeking treatment for alcohol abuse
Fired Dallas Stars coach Jim Montgomery announced Friday he’s checking into a residential, inpatient program for alcohol abuse.
In a statement released to the Dallas Morning News, Montgomery said it was the right call for the Stars to terminate him on Dec. 10.
At the time of the firing, Stars general manager Jim Nill said the decision was based on unprofessional conduct.
Montgomery’s full statement:
“Losing my job as head coach of the Dallas Stars last month was a wake-up call. It was also the appropriate call. I let the team’s front office, staff and players down. More importantly, I let my wife and my family down. The team’s decision to end my role forced me to look into the mirror and decide whether I wanted to continue living a damaging lifestyle or get help. I decided to get help. I turned to professionals in the field of alcohol abuse for their guidance and counseling. It has been an overwhelming and a very humbling experience knowing that I am not alone.”
“Today, with the unconditional support of my wife and family, and many close friends, I took another step forward by admitting myself into an inpatient residential program, I where I intend to take the steps to be a better husband, father, friend, coach and mentor — one day at a time. It’s a process I am committed to. As I do this, I ask that my family’s privacy be respected. Thanks, Monty.”
Montgomery, 50, was in his second season with the Stars in his first NHL coaching job. He led the Stars to the Western Conference Finals in 2019.
This story was originally published January 3, 2020 at 2:30 PM.
