Bobby Ryan Arrested in Nashville Airport for Public Intoxication

Igor Burdetskiy July 27, 2022

3 1 minute read

Unfortunate news to pass along, as Bobby Ryan has had a long history with alcohol abuse, and even won the 2020 Bill Masterton award after his recovery.

Ryan was arrested and jailed yesterday at the Nashville international airport.

An airport store reported that Ryan had taken items and left without paying and alerted Airport Police, who observed him on security cameras. Ryan left the stolen items on a counter along his way and entered Little Harpeth Brewing, where officers found him seated at the bar ordering a drink.

Police say he was not compliant with them, was extremely intoxicated, and did not know where he was, the date, or the time, and could not stand on his own. The store declined prosecution on the recovered items, and Ryan was jailed for public intoxication.

This is an extremely unfortunate circumstance as it had appeared that Ryan was doing well battling his demons. The 35-year-old took an extended break from the Ottawa Senators in 2019-20 in order to seek treatment for his addiction, and was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy that very same year as a result.

Though he did not play in the 2021-22 season, Ryan has yet to officially retire. The 2005 second overall pick last suited up in the 2020-21 season with the Detroit Red Wings, where he managed to score seven goals and 14 points in 33 games. Unfortunately, a lack of foot speed took away from his great skill, and resulted in his totals dipping in his final few seasons in the league. At his prime, he was one of the more talented players in the game, proven by the fact he scored north of 30 goals in four straight seasons from 2008-2012.

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, stories like these are never fun to cover. Alcoholism is never an easy battle to fight, and despite this setback, Ryan deserves a ton of credit for sharing his brave story which has helped so many others out there. Hopefully he is able to overcome this incident and can get back on the right path in the near future.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!