The Grand Rapids Press’s Peter J. Wallner interviewed Darren McCarty regarding his stand-up comedy tour of Michigan:
Darren McCarty can laugh now, and that’s exactly the point in delivering punchlines instead of punches.
What’s so funny is that given the crazy road he has traveled, the former Detroit Red Wings bad boy sees humor as the latest extension of outreach to fans and therapy for himself.
“There’s nothing you can embarrass me about that I haven’t already embarrassed myself,” he said with a chuckle.
McCarty, 46, is a legend to Detroit hockey fans for his rugged play and deft scoring skills, some incredible brawls and four Stanley Cup championships. His dark moments have also been documented – battles with alcoholism, financial missteps and marital strife.
Pretty funny stuff? Well, yeah, McCarty said.
“What I’ve had to do to survive is not what I’d recommend for a life plan,” he said. “But I’m here and can share what not to do or, for someone else, it’s like, ‘Hey, I’m here and OK. You can be, too.'”
