The former head coach of the Dallas Stars has admitted himself into an inpatient residential program for alcohol abuse.
Jim Montgomery said in a statement that losing his job in December was a wake-up call and he has since turned to professionals for guidance and counselling.
“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,” he said Friday. “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.”
Dallas GM Jim Nill dismissed Montgomery for what he deemed at the time was unprofessional conduct although didn’t elaborate on specifics.
Nill also said at the time that it was a “very tough decision.”
Montgomery, 50, said he hopes by admitting himself into the program that it will yield change.
“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,” the statement said.
Rick Bowness took over the head coach duties in Dallas on an interim basis and the team has gone 4-3 since, but are on a three-game winning streak.
The move to fire Montgomery caught many players and staff by surprise at the time, Bowness included.
