John Tortorella Says He's Skipping All-Star Game To Take Care Of Sick Pit Bull
![Photo: Chris O’Meara/ [object Object]](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200,fo-auto/r39kicf7ktpjsgp54plt.jpg)
Photo: Chris O’Meara/ [object Object] Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella missed the team’s game yesterday against the Nashville Predators, and will skip the NHL All-Star Game this weekend, due to a family emergency. Today, Tortorella clarified that everyone was okay, and gave his reason: his son’s dog is sick.
From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:
The dog that is ailing is a 10-year-old pit bull, Emma. She belongs to his son, Nick, who is a U.S. Army Ranger stationed abroad.
“I needed to see this through,” Tortorella said.
The NHL forces players and coaches to miss a regular-season game if they have to miss the All-Star Game, which is presumably why Tortorella, who was scheduled to coach the Metropolitan Division Sunday, missed the game against Nashville. Torts loves his dogs.
H/t to Ryan
MLB Best Bets: 3 Picks to Target on Sunday’s Full Slate
Islam Makhachev Just Took His UFC Legacy to Another Level
- UFC 330 Picks: Top Plus-Money Underdog Prediction
- UFC 330 Odds Movement: Edson Barboza, Vicente Luque See Major Line Swings
- UFC 330 Betting: Where Is the Sharp Money Landing This Weekend?
- Diamondbacks vs. Braves Prediction: Best Bets for Friday Aug. 14
- MLB Thursday Best Bets: Field of Dreams Picks and More
- Two MLB Best Bets to Consider on Wednesday’s Busy Slate
- Dodgers vs. Royals Betting Pick: Tuesday August 11 Prediction
