Fry takes indefinite leave from Team Jacobs
After reflecting on his actions at the Red Deer Curling Classic, curler Ryan Fry said Wednesday that he’ll be taking an indefinite leave from Team Brad Jacobs to focus on his “growth and selfimprovement.”
Fry, who played at the World Curling Tour event as a substitute, was disqualified along with teammates Jamie Koe, Chris Schille and DJ Kidby for what organizers called unsportsmanlike behaviour resulting from excessive drinking. All four players later issued statements to apologize for their actions.
Organizers said Fry broke three brooms and that the team used foul language and was disruptive to other players on the ice.
“I have spent the last few days reflecting on what happened during the Red Deer Curling Classic,” Fry said in a statement on Twitter. “It has made me take a hard look in the mirror to understand what fuelled my unprofessional actions. I am committed to taking every step possible to ensure that this never happens again, and to make amends to those who have been negatively impacted.”
Fry, 40, normally plays on a team with Jacobs, E.J. Harnden and Ryan Harnden. They won the Tim Hortons Brier in 2013 and won Olympic gold in 2014.
“Due to recent events, I have decided to take a leave from Team Jacobs,” Fry said. “As hard as this is, I need to focus my full energy on my growth and selfimprovement as this goes beyond last weekend’s events. I wish the team nothing but success while they compete in my absence.
“There is no confirmed time for my return, but I am extremely committed to doing everything possible to rebound.”
Team Jacobs issued its own statement later in the day.
“We support Ryan’s decision to take the necessary time right now to focus on himself — this is more important than sport. Our focus is what is best for Ryan personally as he is not just our teammate, but also one of our good friends. We believe how Ryan is handling everything is a true reflection of his character.
“We will miss Ryan not being on the ice with us for at least the next two upcoming events, but we will be in communication with him throughout this time, supporting him personally and we will take it one day at a time.”
The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.-based team said it will announce its lineup for the upcoming Canada Cup and Grand Slam events in the coming days.
Wade Thurber, the manager at the Red Deer Curling Centre, said that bar staff had to cut off Fry, Koe, Schille and Kidby before their game on Saturday afternoon. He added that with Koe sitting out, Schille and Kidby tried their best to control Fry, but to no avail.