Fired Dallas Stars Coach Jim Montgomery Says He's Getting Help For Alcohol Abuse
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Former Dallas Stars head coach Jim Montgomery, who was fired on December 10 for "unprofessional conduct," has released a statement for the first time since losing his job.
In his statement, Montgomery said he has checked into an inpatient residential program for alcohol abuse.
He also said his firing last month was "the appropriate call" by the Dallas Stars.
Here is 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, 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.
On the day of Montgomery's firing, Stars General Manager Jim Nill said he was made aware of a "situation" on a weekend and after gathering information, conducting an investigation and speaking with owners, management and general counsel the decision was made to fire Montgomery.
"It was determined that there was a material act of unprofessionalism contrary to the values and standards held by the Dallas Stars organization," he said. "It is very clear this cannot be tolerated and therefore we have relieved Jim Montgomery of his duties."
Nill said on December 10, the decision to let Montgomery go was not based on his performance and had no connection to any past or present players.
The 50-year-old Montgomery was in his second season with Dallas after making the rare jump from college coaching at the University of Denver.
The Stars made the second round of the playoffs with their rookie coach.
Montgomery had two years left on his contract at $1.6 million per season.
The Stars were 17-11-3 when Montgomery was fired, having recovered from a dismal 1-7-1 start by going 14-1-1.
They have since gone 6-3-1 under interim coach Rick Bowness and entered Friday's games in third place in the Central Division.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)