This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba responded to a hockey podcaster who he believes went too far in his analysis of his performance in the Eastern Conference finals against the Florida Panthers.
He then referenced the tragic suicide of PGA Tour pro Grayson Murray last month.
Pasha Eshgui, producer of the popular podcast “Spittin’ Chiclets,” made headlines when he slammed Trouba’s play during the Rangers’ sixth straight loss to Florida, who will face the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final this weekend.
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New York Rangers player Jacob Trouba (number 8) argues with Carolina Hurricanes player Martin Necas (number 88) during overtime in Game 2 of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 7, 2024 in New York City.
In his rant, Eshghi pointed to the charitable work Trouba and his wife, Kelly, do through the Trouba Creative and Expressive Arts Program.
“Trouba and his wife founded the Trouba Creative Expressive Arts Program, which provides arts services to adults with epilepsy and seizures,” Eshgui said. “Do you know the irony in this situation? Trouba’s wife is a neuroscience major. Before Jacob goes out and concusses opponents every day as the dirtiest player in the league, maybe his wife should go home and educate him about the dangers of concussions that can lead to epilepsy and seizures.”
Eshgi began his piece by asking his co-star, “Is there a bigger hypocritical jerk in the league than Jacob Trouba?” He went on to say that “Trouba is a bad hockey player” and that he thinks Rangers manager Peter Laviolette “should rip the C off his chest right now and put it on Vinny Troucek because he’s the heart and soul of this team.”
Panthers beat Rangers in Game 6 to advance to second straight Stanley Cup Final
Trouba then responded to X’s clip.
“Suicide rate among US college athletes has doubled in the last 20 years – @usnews. 11 days ago a @PGATOUR golfer tragically took his own life after battling mental illness and people asked how that could happen. We must do better,” Trouba wrote, tagging the podcast, Eshgi and co-host Ryan Whitney.
Jacob Trouba (number 8) of the New York Rangers throws a pass to Martin Necas (number 88) of the Carolina Hurricanes during overtime in Game 2 of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 7, 2024 in New York City. (Jared Silver/NHLI via Getty Images)
Trouba also announced that over the next 30 days, proceeds from the sale of 24-inch prints of his painting will be donated to Athletes for Hope, an organization that works with athletes of all levels and backgrounds “to make the world a better place through community service and advocacy.”
Eshgi also mentioned that the Rangers recently presented Trouba with the Mark Messer Leadership Award for his work in the community, which includes donating more than $160,000 to the Garden of Dreams and Epilepsy Foundation this year through art sales.
“I’m going to talk about the Messier Leadership Award,” Eshgi said. “Leadership on the ice? By being totally on the hook and taking penalties?”
As Eshgui noted, Trouba has received more penalties than any other player in the postseason, totaling 20 penalty minutes in the Rangers’ series against the Panthers, Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes.
New York Rangers player Jacob Trouba (number 8) skates during warmups before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on April 13, 2023 in New York City. (Jared Silver/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Through 13 games, Trouba was minus-3 with one goal and five assists.
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