More than 100 former National Hockey League (NHL) players are now suing the league. The lawsuit alleges that NHL failed to protect and educate its players from and about the long-lasting effects of repeated concussions.
Petitioners contend that the NHL knew or ought to have known the risk of a long-term brain damage due to repetitive concussions. They accuse the league of promoting violence and prioritizing commercial interests over the health and lives of its players.
In an article by Star Tribune, NHL executive Colin Campbell allegedly wrote in a 2010 email that, ""let's face it Mike ... we sell rivalries, we sell and promote hate and when a player hits another player legally we can't drill him because [redeacted]"
Eighteen-year NHL veteran Grant Ledyard told CBC Sports that he has suffered from eight concussions throughout his career. He said that he didn't knew about the increased risk of serious neurodegenerative disorders.
Ledyard claims that he drinks alcohol to assist him with sleeping. He also said that he is having sensitivity issues to light. Other negative effects of repetitive concussions include constant headaches, mood swings and depression.
Sports Illustrated reported that Minneapolis Judge Janie Mayeron who is presiding over the class suit, has ordered the NHL to unseal emails sent to and from its executives. She said that the passages in those emails are relevant to the cause of the plaintiffs.
Counsel for the plaintiffs said that the disclosure of such emails containing insensitive remarks supports their claim that the NHL lacked the appropriate level of care it should have rendered for its players. In response, the NHL camp contends that its ex-players are putting a "twisted and tortured" spin on the innocent statements allegedly written on the sealed documents.
Other prominent players who joined the suit are Bernie Nichols, Brian Savage, Dave Christian and Gary Leeman. Stay tuned for more updates.
