Bob Probert: TOUGH GUY, My life on the edge:
There can be no doubting that Bob Probert was the toughest, greatest and most feared fighter to ever lace on a pair of skates. It's true, ask anyone who has ever played the game or any knowledgeable hockey historian. It all came down to his influence and aura. Who did every hockey player who ever dropped the gloves try to emulate? 9 times out of 10 they will say, Bob Probert. No other fighter had more of a charisma and intimidation factor to this level before or since than ol' 24. The dynamic of the game changed once he hit the ice because Probert could do so much more than just be the reigning NHL heavyweight Champion, he could play the game.
The most interesting thing about Probert was that he didn't have to do a ton of steroids to become a good enforcer (see Tony Twist) and didn't practice and train to the level of most players. His best way to train was to booze, party and bar room brawl all night long and then go out on the ice the next day and let his natural ability lead him to greatness. Can you imagine how good he could have been if he had his life together??? He went to rehab for drug and alcohol abuse, survived car and motorcycle crashes and was fined and suspended countless of times and still the NHL would always take him back!! Why??? Because he was that good!! Now that's amazing if you really look at how he lived his life!! Surely, all this abuse broke his body down and lead to his eventual downfall (especially when he went to Chicago in the 1995-96 season after being suspended for a year) because although feared and still a great fighter, he was never the same as he was in Detroit.
Reading this book will explain to you just what was going on in the world of Bob Probert and at times it may be funny but it is also a testimony of self-destruction in a violent sport. Unfortunately, everything all caught up with him as he passed away at only 45 years old in 2010 due to heart failure in a most tragic fashion. What was also sad was that Bob (although suffering from a broken body) was in the best place he could be in with his family, whom he loved so much. A sad ending to an incredible life and icon of the Hockey world. God Speed Bob, may you rest in peace.
GET IT NOW!!!! 5 STARS!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Tough-Guy-My-Life-Edge/dp/160078562X/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0
