Email Request: WWE's letter to former stars about Rehab Opportunity

My friend Randy asked me to print the letter that WWE sent to 'nearly 500 stars' previously with the company offering to pay for their rehabilitation if they are suffering from substance dependency problems. I was able to find this transcript to put here....

Over the last ten years, an inordinate number of wrestlers have passed away. Some of those deaths may in part have been caused by drugs and alcohol.

In an effort to prevent such tragedies in the future, the WWE is willing to pay for drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation at a certified treatment chosen by WWE for any performer with a prior WWE booking contract who may need this service. The WWE will pay for this service in full.

There is no cost to you or your family. Help will be provided regardless of the circumstances of your departure from the WWF or the amount of time you performed for the WWE.

If you do not have a drug and/or alcohol problem, but know you know a former WWE performer who does, we are asking you to try to help them by encouraging them to take advantage of this opportunity.

Liz Difabio has been appointed as a representative in this matter. Liz has been with the company for over 24 years and has been directly involved with the majority of WWE performers who have received treatment for substance abuse. She understands emotions that individuals and family members go through in this process. Any conversation you have with Liz will remain confidential and will not be released to the public.

In many instances, an individual in need of help is in denial and will not want rehabilitation. There are professional intervention companies that will help persuade that person that they need treatment. Liz will be able to facilitate such interventions, should they be necessary. An intervention and treatment will be at the cost of WWE exclusively.

This service is being provided for performers with a prior WWE booking contract only. No family or friends. Please reach out to Liz if you think you might have a drug or alcohol problem or if you know someone who does. We all need to do anything we can to help prevent another tragedy.

Sincerely,

Vincent K. McMahon
Chairman, World Wrestling Entertainment

My opinion? Well truth be told, it's two fold. Yes, I applaud WWE for stepping up to the plate like this, because chances are good this is going to cost a pretty penny when it is all said and done. But my question is, why now? It just smacks in the face of a publicity stunt trying to soften up WWE's tarnished reputation because of all the negative press that the company has been getting over the past few months.

I can't help but think that if the events of the past few months had been drastically different, we'd certainly not be in a place like we currently are.

Like I've been saying all over the column and here. Credibility. Right now, WWE's is shot. And that's why a gesture like this, which overall should be praised, is being questioned not just by me, but probably by others in the media and elsewhere. (I'm not media, but the comparison sticks.)

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.