Report: Rick DiPietro Had Suicidal Thoughts Stemming From Injuries, Losing, Fan Hatred

by John Beattie on Thu, Feb 28, 2013 at 2:00PM

Being a professional athlete isn’t easy, no matter how much you make, how good you are or where you play.

Former Boston University standout and Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro has had a rough NHL career — from injuries to disappointing seasons to not living up to contracts — he’s seen and experienced it all.

Earlier this season, when the Isles put him out on waivers, the current Bridgeport Sound Tigers netminder told News 12 Long Island’s Kevin Maher that the team waiving him felt like “they ripped my heart out, stabbed it, set it on fire and flushed it down the toilet.”

He also struggled with suicidal thoughts, as seen in Maher’s tweet below.

DiPietro also admitted injuries, losing and fan hatred over the past 3 years made him think about killing himself at one point.
—
Kevin Maher (@KMaherNews12) February 28, 2013