NHL issues embarrassing statement on player's health after death of Chris Simon
NHL issues embarrassing statement on player's health after death of Chris Simon
Yesterday afternoon the sad news reached the public that former NHL Enforcer Chris Simon had ended his own life. According to those closest to him, Simon had been suffering the effects of CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy) in the years leading up to his death. CTE is a brain disorder that is said to be caused by repeated blows to the head and head injuries. The blows lead to a degeneration of the brain nerve cells within the brain and worsens over time.
Of all the major sporting leagues in the world, only the NHL maintains that there is not enough scientific evidence to support CTE, with Gary Bettman remaining steadfast against the diagnosis. After Simon's death and these reports, veteran NHL Insider took the opportunity to ask NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly if the league has changed their stance on CTE and Daly gave the following embarrassing answer.
Asked Bill Daly whether the #NHL's viewpoint has changed with additional medical studies that show a definitive link between CTE and repeated blows to the head.
«No,» Daly said. «I think the science is still lacking.»
NHL Players Agent and staunch opposition to Gary Bettman, Allan Walsh had the following to say about this tragedy.
I'm angry and devastated at such a senseless tragedy. 101 fighting majors and Gary Bettman still denies the cumulative effects of repetitive head impacts. There is retired NHL players blood on Gary's hands. My condolences and sympathies to Chris' family and friends.
When asked directly about the death of Simon, Bettman provided the following quote:
«Chris' passing is tragic, it's sad. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. And, you know, on all of these matters, we wait to see what the medical experts tell us. Having said that, I think it's well documented with all of the progress that we've made over the last couple decades to make the game as safe as possible.»
This is just continued efforts of a Commissioner to avoid an obvious issue for as long as possible. However, for a league that implemented some of the toughest COVID restrictions in the world, it's odd that they suddenly are waiting more scientific information on something that has clearly been covered.
POLL |
Should Gary Bettman step down? |
Yes, he's done | 299 | 90.3 % |
No, he's doing a great job | 22 | 6.6 % |
I love Bettman and the lack of growth of the game | 10 | 3 % |
List of polls |
|
2 hours ago | By Tom Banks Bruins Captain Brad Marchand Makes his Feelings Known About Swayman and the Whole Roster After Loss to Jets |
|
3 hours ago | By Tom Banks NHL Executive Suggests Shocking Trade Involving Rangers Star Chris Kreider and Bruins Captain Brad Marchand |
|
5 hours ago | By Tom Banks Montreal's Arber Xhekaj Opens Up On His Season As He Fights For a Roster Spot With The Canadiens |
|
8 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente JT Miller Finally Breaks His Silence About his Leave From the Team and Clears the Air With Canucks Fans |
|
10 hours ago | By Tom Banks Two Players Hit the Waiver Wire Today, Including a Surprise |
|
11 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente NHL Broadcasts Are Becoming More Inclusive As Gary Bettman Makes A Huge Announcement |
|
12 hours ago | By Julien Trekker Former Oiler Reveals What Ken Holland Told Him That Made Him Retire From the NHL |
|
15 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery NHL Insider Makes Shocking Prediction on Panthers Star Sam Bennett's Future With the Team |
Previously on Bladeofsteel