Gary Bettman and The NHL May Face a Massive Lawsuit

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Sky
May 12, 2023 (2:49 PM)

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Allan Walsh, the outspoken manager, has earned a reputation as a controversial figure in the NHL. Known for his direct and often critical remarks, he doesn't shy away from taking aim at NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. In a recent post, Walsh directed his criticism towards Bettman's handling of head injuries and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the league.

Walsh's comments gain support from a significant peer-reviewed study that delved into the link between enforcers in the NHL and CTE. The study, which analyzed 6,039 NHL players from 1967 to 2022, revealed alarming findings. Out of the 21 players studied who had passed away, 11 of them had suffered from CTE, ultimately leading to their deaths. Additionally, the study unveiled that enforcers faced similar mortality rates, but their lives were tragically cut short by approximately a decade when compared to NHL controls.

Despite the mounting evidence, Bettman continues to deny the significance of these findings. This stark contrast in approach stands in sharp contrast to the NFL, which has taken substantial steps to address the issue of concussions within their league. Bettman's regressive stance on leadership could potentially have severe consequences for the NHL, opening the door to a potential significant lawsuit against both Bettman and the NHL owners.

Walsh's criticism, supported by scientific research, serves as a poignant reminder that the league must prioritize the well-being and long-term health of its players. The NHL's refusal to acknowledge and proactively tackle the issue of head injuries and CTE may prove detrimental to the league's reputation and legal standing in the future.