By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

The family of former WWE wrestler Jim Neidhart is speaking out about Neidhart's prescription drug addiction following his much-publicized arrest in Florida on Sunday afternoon.

Heath McCoy of the Calgary Herald published a report today with comments from Hart family members and Neidhart's oldest daughter, Jenni, who said, "This is something that's very out of character for him" despite having "issues with drugs."

"His (three) daughters love him dearly and we don't want him to be another statistic," Jenni said, referring to the high mortality rate for pro wrestlers, with recent deaths attributed to prescription drug abuse. "He's always had issues with drugs, but it's only effected[sic] him personally. And his family."

Ross Hart, one of Bret Hart's brothers, said Neidhart has completed two rehabilitation programs through WWE's Wellness program. "They've offered that to a lot of their wrestlers, yet a lot of them are still dropping like flies," said Ross.

Jenni added that she's seen Neidhart have "bouts when he's better," then relapses into prescription drug addiction are tough for him to manage.

"I can see him struggling and trying to keep himself on track and then there's relapses and it's always tough to see that," she said. "This was a very desperate attempt. It's such a hard lifestyle."

The story does not include comments from Neidhart's more high-profile daughter, Nattie, who works for WWE as Natalya in the Hart Dynasty group. The story also does not include comments from Bret Hart, who has worked with WWE in 2010.

Neidhart was charged with felony possession, trafficking, burglary, and grand theft after being accused of stealing prescription medication. He is currently in a Florida jail on $138,500 bail.

We suggest these recent related articles...

WWNLIVE NEWS: NXT star Sami Zayn announced for EVOLVE Tour

NEWS: Daughter of Bill DeMott dies in weekend car crash

HAAS NEWS: Charlie Haas getting back in the ring - big reunion match at OVW, headliner for CWE year-end tour