Blue in Yarmouth

July 6th, 2010 at 8:59 AM ^

BP was adored by his fans (of which I have always been one) and the post above shows a certain lack of respect, but I can't say I am totally shocked by this outcome. When I saw the title I thought "Shit, the world lost a great guy there" but I wasn't shocked by the fact that he had passed away.

I don't think anything BP had done in his life (that I was aware of anyway) diminish him in my eyes. He had struggles like everyone else and dealt with them like many people do. He seemed like a great guy and was a hell of a lot of fun to watch.

Thanks for memories Bob, and RIP.

clarkiefromcanada

July 5th, 2010 at 7:32 PM ^

In full disclosure, I am not a Wings fan but worked in Windsor for a good portion of the early 1990's each summer. Probert certainly had a tremendous influence on the game for good and bad. He was a mythic character in Windsor where, on any day you could walk down by the river and see at least one or two middle aged men wearing shirts that said "Give Blood: Fight Probert". Classic.

Bob Probert had off ice issues with drugs and alcohol but in the past years he had apparently done well to clean up these concerns in his life. He was married and a father of twin boys. This is a tragic loss and my condolences go out to his family and friends. This over focus on the issues he faced in past is pathetic and regrettable. 

I will remember Bob Probert for his epic battles with Tie Domi. Respect.

MichFan1997

July 5th, 2010 at 11:47 PM ^

regardless of what personal battles one may have, when they die at 45 years young, you NEVER see it coming. I feel today like I did they day that The Bird passed...with a terrible saddnes. And those are two players I never got to see compete, but I realize what they both meant to this town. And we lost them both too soon.

As I write this several hours after reading about the news, I can't but help but shed a few tears. The comment below about him serving a misconduct for fighting the angels made me smile.

But there is no reason at all to, at this moment, bring up anything about alcohol and drugs. This is a sad day for Red Wings and Blackhawks fans. I wish I had been old enough to see that man play. God speed, Probie. God speed!

MGoJen

July 5th, 2010 at 5:05 PM ^

This is really sad.  He was at the Wings game I went to a couple months ago.

My dad was a huge Wings fan and Stevie Y was his favorite player.  After hearing his name a lot, I remember asking my dad one night what Bob Probert does and he answered, "He protects Stevie Y, baby."

My prayers are with his family tonight.

hockeyguy9125

July 5th, 2010 at 5:29 PM ^

He made alot of bad decisions off the ice, but was one of the most popular players on the ice. I will remember him for the duels with Tie Domi and others. Prayers for his family and friends....

Huss

July 5th, 2010 at 6:08 PM ^

He's just serving a game misconduct in the big penalty box in the sky for the asskicking he laid on whatever angel came down to fetch him.

Tater

July 5th, 2010 at 6:22 PM ^

It is always tragic when someone passes this young, especially someone who gave every ounce of himself on the ice.  Many will focus on his problems, but I would be willing to bet that a warrior like Probert had a lot of brain damage from fighting and from his tough style of play in general.  I could easily be wrong here, but count me in among those who believe he paid the ultimate price for what he did on the ice, not off, no matter what an autopsy eventually shows.

If there is a silver lining here, it is that maybe there will be more concussion research and that someday all contact sports can be made truly safe for their participants.  If it were my choice, I would lower the threshold of what is seen as a concussion or at least add some kind of a "chronic sub-concussion" catagory.  It is becoming obvious, even from the small amount of research that is available to the average fan, that many of the drug and social problems we blame on a "lack of discipline" stem from undiagnosed depression as a result of too many blows to the head. 

RIP and condolences to the Probert family.

PIJER

July 5th, 2010 at 6:30 PM ^

Probert is THE reason that I became a hockey fan. As a young man, I had no exposure to hockey except for changing past the games on channel 50 with Ray Lane. Low and behold, one day I happened to catch a fight while flipping through channels. I thought, who needs boxing when you can catch a fight almost daily. My world has been different every since. I am thankful for years of enjoyment of one of the greatest sports. I owe this all to Probert, without him, I never would have watched, let alone learn the game.

Louie C

July 5th, 2010 at 9:10 PM ^

Wow....I am at a loss for words. Being a NBA fanatic as a kid, he and Stevie Y were the reasons why I started to follow hockey. Not a good day for Red Wings fans.

goody

July 5th, 2010 at 9:26 PM ^

I will pull someone's shirt over their head and punch them in the face. 

Absolute blast to watch and one of my favorite Red Wings. 

the_big_house 500th

July 5th, 2010 at 11:01 PM ^

This is heart wrenching news today. I really can't believe he has passed away at 45 years of age. One of the hard hitters for the Wings back in the 1990s and was never shy to jump in a fight. Horrible news for Red Wing fans every where tonight. My thoughts to the Probert family. RIP Bob.

Rx

July 5th, 2010 at 11:14 PM ^

In his honor I will spend the next hour watching his fights on youtube. Truly a great fighter and a great hockey player. To bad the first paragraph of every story will be about his drinking and drug problem. Bob you will always be remembered as a great player and person here in Detroit. RIP...