Montgomery enters rehab for alcohol abuse, calls firing 'appropriate'

Jim Montgomery admitted himself into an inpatient residential program for alcohol abuse, he revealed Friday in a statement to the Dallas Morning News' Matthew DeFranks.

“Losing my job as head coach of the Dallas Stars last month was a wake-up call. It was also the appropriate call," Montgomery wrote in his first public comments since the firing Dec. 10.

"I let the team's front office, staff, and players down," he continued. "More importantly, I let my wife and my family down. The team's decision to end my role forced me to look into the mirror and decide whether I wanted to continue living a damaging lifestyle or get help. I decided to get help. I turned to professionals in the field of alcohol abuse for their guidance and counseling. It has been an overwhelming and very humbling experience knowing that I am not alone."

Montgomery added that he intends to "take the steps to be a better husband, father, friend, coach, and mentor," and that he's committed to the process.

Stars general manager Jim Nill said Friday that the team supports Montgomery's decision and hopes that by seeking help, the former bench boss and his family will be stronger for it.

Dallas dismissed Montgomery for "unprofessional conduct." He had more than two years left on his contract. Nill said at the time of the firing that there was no criminal investigation and that no current or former Stars players or employees were involved.

Montgomery has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings since he was fired, a source told DeFranks. The 50-year-old was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Florida back in 2008.