Fry takes leave from Jacobs’ team after spiel debacle

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 self-improvement.”

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 self-improvement 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.”