Bob Probert has died

[golfer]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=5356462

[mclem0822]

That is very sad, and way to young to go. Probert was one of the toughest SOB's the game has ever seen. Condolences to his family.

[clyde]

Much,much bettah.

[GBBob]

That sucks...

[The Bid]

He had some great fights w Domi.

[satan's twin]

Originally Posted by The Bid

He had some great fights w Domi.

One of his best fights was away from hockey and kept out of the press.

After yet another fall from sobriety with the Blackhawks, Proebert's mentor and guardian angel, the notorious skinflint owner of the Blackhawks, Dollar Bill Wirtz, himself no teatotaller and the liquor distribution king of Illinois, insisted Proebert try an extended stay at a plush Arizona rehab center. At the tail end of his career and looking for a chance at a broadcasting career with the Hawks, Proebert entered the clinic willingly.

The clinic teamed each patient with a roommate. Reportedly, Proebert and the man sharing a room with him became quick friends. At the same time that Proebert was receiving treatment at this clinic so was Dexter Manley, the Washington Redskins defensive end. It was later reported that food could be withheld at this facility from a patient for any number of rule violations the facility had. Shortly after arriving, Manley was disciplined for his missteps and was promptly denied food. Not one to miss a meal so easily, Manley decided to help himself to another patient's meal. His first victim was Proebert's roommate. It was a theft witnessed by Proebert and one that he was not going to let slide. Though neither Proebert or Manley knew who the other was, Proebert demanded that Manley return the food to his roommate. When Manley refused, Proebert proceeded to pound the hell out of him. Proebert was being thrown out of the clinic when Dollar Bill intervened on his behalf at the last minute with a substantial contribution for the facility to overlook the incident.

[slotdirt]

One of the all-time great tough guys over the last 30 years in the NHL, and could put the puck in the net during his best years to boot. Definitely had a lot of personal demons, but will be remembered fondly by at least this Red Wings fan.