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.