One thing I've learned in my near 4 decades of existence is that I rarely view any Famous athlete or celebrities as a role model. They or the organizations they represent like to window dress there lives as flawless and aspiring but most of these people live extremely effed up lives that are nothing near what they like to portray. It's easy for kids to look up to these people but as you get older yourself, you realize that the famous people you looked up to as a child are regular humans who make mistakes but they just have more money to try and cover up those mistakes.

If it’s not on the banned list of drugs, and he’s at least made it appear that he’s gitten help, then I don’t have a problem with him playing.

However I do find it amusing that a few have commented on cocaine as a “recreational” drug.

Of all the people I know that have taken it “recreationally”...it usually (but not always) leads to other life problems.

Really not a laughing matter. Obviously he has a substance issue since he has lied and tried to cover it up.
- doppelthat

Because he got caught doing coke one time does not mean he has a substance abuse problem. He liied because he didn't want to get in trouble. Also doesn't mean he has a substance abuse problem.

Good thing its only "random" testing, otherwise there would be 20 teams in the league missing thier stars.

Sure looks like a funny way to use smelling salts.

Because he got caught doing coke one time does not mean he has a substance abuse problem. He liied because he didn't want to get in trouble. Also doesn't mean he has a substance abuse problem.
- HealthyScratch6

Agree but still cocaine can't be tolerated.
If it is a one off fine but never more
He better knows what he will tell Mr.Bettman

I was absolutely blown away by this news, especially after we all cleared up that he had nothing to do with cocaine after being photographed with white powder on a mirror directly in front of him.

Red line.

Blue line.

White line.

As much as drug use can be harmful to someone, physically and psychologically, demonizing them for use is wrong. Perhaps it is a guilty pleasure for him and does not negatively impact anyone but himself? Perhaps it is a problem for him? If that is the case, getting him help would be of far more benefit than punishing him.

If you can go to a sporting event and yell “f$ck her in the p&ssy” and then lose your job. I’d say testing positive for drugs while representing you country team and league deserves at least to be made public. Unless athletes are untouchable superheroes who get to live by different rule than the rest of us.
- Trevrrrgavo

I thought that guy got a raw deal too, but he did get his job back. I just feel if the test is for certain substances, only look for that. It's only my opinion about personal privacy which I think is very important. I'm not judging drug use at all.

Because he got caught doing coke one time does not mean he has a substance abuse problem. He liied because he didn't want to get in trouble. Also doesn't mean he has a substance abuse problem.
- HealthyScratch6

Right, he failed a drug test and was caught in a video with coke next to him. So it's been twice now. He certainly doesn't have any issues 🤔. If he lied and got away with it, it would almost certainly make his issue even bigger. Coke gets out of people's systems very quickly, it's not like weed. If he can't stop himself from using for a short period of time I would call it an issue. But if you are a person that reelected Rob Ford as your mayor I get why this isn't news or an issue.

I’m not surprised that the NHL would turn a blind eye to this. Wasn’t Messier and other Oilers known for their coke habits? Kevin Stevens, while on the Pens, had a drug problem. I’m sure there are plenty of documented cases.

I’m all for getting players treatment, but they also should be suspended if they’re caught with that in their system. I would get suspended or fired from my job if I tested positive for cocaine or worse. Why are athletes, who are tested for every PED known to man, exempt from doing crack?
- simethos

Because they are grown men who don't need people like you or the government telling them how to live.

Not if he's an American Gladiator
- eichiefs9

Lol...orrrrr a hockey player

The NHL doesn’t care about recreational drugs unless it’s obvious you have a problem. They’ll step in and try to give help then.
- PhilsHotDogGuy

Knew I should’ve been an nhl player.

Probably got it from Lehtera

Because they are grown men who don't need people like you or the government telling them how to live.
- just69sayin

YUP. Laws are for suckers.

Really not a laughing matter. Obviously he has a substance issue since he has lied and tried to cover it up.
- doppelthat

Haha. So some young, rich pro athlete goes partying on his little trip....does some blow. Now he has an addiction problem. And he is supposed to be open about all of his dirty little secrest eh. Better men have done worse things