News Article: Paul Martin Recounts His Struggle with Addiction

[Mario_is_BACK!!]

Great article discussing the struggles of an all
around good guy. Had no idea he was suffering like this. Good on him for getting help.

After bottoming out, former Gophers, NHL star Paul Martin sees the light again: ‘I’m pretty lucky’ – Twin Cities

Click to read more...

 

[EVGENIMERLIN]

Wow I had no idea, good for him. Always seemed like a class act

 

[Hockey 4 everyone]

wow I had no idea. But it makes a lot of sense.on paper he should have been much better for the pens but we never really knew why it wasn’t working. Now it makes sense.

I wonder how many other disappointing and underwhelming current/past players delivered the performances they did due to depression and substance abuse. Hopefully as these things become less taboo we learn more.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

He hid it extremely well. Didn't seem to be the type at all.

 

[JRS91]

I'm glad he got the help he needed.

He had a rough first year here, but absolutely turned himself around.

 

[Gurglesons]

wow I had no idea. But it makes a lot of sense.on paper he should have been much better for the pens but we never really knew why it wasn’t working. Now it makes sense.

I wonder how many other disappointing and underwhelming current/past players delivered the performances they did due to depression and substance abuse. Hopefully as these things become less taboo we learn more.

I question how much better Martin could’ve been for us. He was very good most years.

 

[HandshakeLine]

He hid it extremely well. Didn't seem to be the type at all.

Very few addicts are, because there's no such thing as a type.

Glad to see he's turned himself around and gotten clean and in a better place.

 

[Jacob]

Solid player. Seemed like a nice guy. Didn’t he take out an ad or write a column thanking Penguins fans when he left?

Was one of those rare big(ish) UFA signings that actually worked out.

 

[BrookswasHere44]

All the best Paul!

 

[Snooki Stackhouse]

Interesting to read an article about some of the struggles these players have. It's easy to think because they're rich they must be happy but that's not always the case - they're human too. I think it's easy for people- men especially - to become lonely. I feel like I've been where Paul was with the substance abuse and loneliness. It's really hard to snap out of it. Glad he found his way out and I hope he is able to move on to the next phase of his life.

"It’s always dark there and cloudy, gloomy.”

I've always wondered what some of the players think playing in gloomy places like Pittsburgh and Buffalo. Even as a longtime resident, the gloominess gets to me. I wonder if it ever affects the ability of this team (or the Steelers) to land a free agent.

 

[Honour Over Glory]

I'm glad Paul got help and is on the right path. He's a good bloke.

 

[ColePens]

I say it over and over and over again around here - these people are human. I laugh when everyone thinks life is just perfect for these men and women. It's not. It never is. So happy to hear a story turned out good. But if you like tweets of people shit talking people they don't know or you do so here... stop. Seriously.

 

[Ogrezilla]

Big fan of Martin. And he led to one my favorite of the dumb gifs I made.

 

[Randy Butternubs]

I need his scrambled eggs recipe.

 

[LOGiK]

Plenty of addicts and broken down (generally good hearted) humans on everyone's streets... why should I care about a millionaire's problems.

 

[heysmilinstrange]

Plenty of addicts and broken down (generally good hearted) humans on everyone's streets... why should I care about a millionaire's problems.

You don't have to care, but you don't have to comment, either.

 

[SEALBound]

I need his scrambled eggs recipe.

So does your mom. And Nealer's mom.

 

[Mario_is_BACK!!]

Plenty of addicts and broken down (generally good hearted) humans on everyone's streets... why should I care about a millionaire's problems.

Just stay out of the thread.

 

[The Sodfather]

His struggles hit close to home for me. My wife and I lost our God son to substance abuse. We had no idea he had the issues he did because he was skilled at hiding them and he begged his parents to keep it private, which they did. Could his extended family have helped him? Well, we'll never know and frankly, not a day goes by that I don't think about it or him.

I'm glad Paul got the help he needed. For his sake and his families' and friends sake, too. I know what it's like to suddenly be faced with a situation of abject and complete sorrow with nothing but questions, most of which that will never be answered. God bless him and anyone involved in a similar situation. Moving forward, I wish Paul and his family nothing but the best.

 

[cookthebooks]

I feel like the very kind of public challenge from gmrs to be better and fulfill the contract was kind of an admission that the higher ups knew what was really going on and in old school hockey fashion played it that way instead of outright getting him help?

 

[FunkySeeFunkyDo]

I question how much better Martin could’ve been for us. He was very good most years.

Agree. He got off to a rough start, but he played for the Americans in his time with the Pens.

Solid player. Seemed like a nice guy. Didn’t he take out an ad or write a column thanking Penguins fans when he left?

Was one of those rare big(ish) UFA signings that actually worked out.

I second this recommendation. It was in the Players Tribune, but I’m not finding it. Starts off with a great anecdote about being stuck on an extended shift with Scuderi and MAF is having a blast.

 

[metalan2]

The last guy I'd expect to have issues like these.

 

[Pens x]

I feel like the very kind of public challenge from gmrs to be better and fulfill the contract was kind of an admission that the higher ups knew what was really going on and in old school hockey fashion played it that way instead of outright getting him help?

Why does the team have to get him help?

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

Paul Martin was awesome. Feel for the guy, and glad he's doing well. Always seemed like a really good dude.

 

[HandshakeLine]

Why does the team have to get him help?

The cynical response: because he's an investment and it's in their best interest to do so?
The human response: because it's the kind/not dickish thing to do for a co-worker or friend?