Theo Fleury Plans Charges Against Former Junior Coach

Theo Fleury's ill-fated NHL comeback this past summer opened some opportunities for him. By getting his name back in the hockey mainstream, Fleury was successful in promoting his autobiography, which chronicled his career and life in the sport of hockey.

In that book, Fleury accused his former junior coach, Graham James, of sexual abuse. Getting the story off his chest wasn't enough, as Fleury has apparently decided to press charges against James.

The New York Post says Fleury revealed his decision while in New York to promote his book. He strongly believes the alleged abuse contributed to the problems he encountered as an adult.

"That made me who I was," said Fleury, who is a recovering addict following a lifetime of alcohol, drug and gambling issues.

"You saw the anger on the ice. It was uncontrollable. I cringe when I see it. "Never in my life did I want to be like that but that's the person that the abuse turned me into; an alcoholic, doing drugs and completely out of control."

James was jailed in 1999 for his crimes after former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy spoke out about his experiences. He was sentenced to 42 months behind bars for sexually assaulting players.

Even though it's been close to 30 years since Fleury played junior hockey, one has to hope that his book helps other James victims speak out and try to prevent these horrific acts from happening in the future.