NHL big boss Gary Bettman is blamed and people ask owners to fire him
Unempathetic in the eyes of the general public and even less so among Canadians, National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner Gary Bettman made a statement that might seem clumsy at first glance but was actually quite shrewd.
However, one of the most influential agents in the league, Allan Walsh, along with various NHL stakeholders, has called for his immediate dismissal by the group of owners.
In a statement, Bettman categorically denied that head hits can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a severe progressive degeneration of brain cells caused by multiple head traumas. He drew the ire of the NHL Players' Association, and even many experts are questioning the NHL's responsibility in this matter.
On the surface, he seems to endanger player safety and ridicule the NHL. In reality, he is protecting his employer's reputation to avoid a class-action lawsuit from former players living with CTE-like effects. The lawsuit could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, possibly over a billion depending on the number of claimants.
Gary Bettman Denies the Link Between Head Hits and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
This is the disease discussed in the popular film "Concussion," starring Will Smith, and is now recognized by the NFL. The work of pathologist Bennet Omalu had a chilling effect on the NHL.
Following Gary Bettman's extremely embarrassing statements, his right-hand man, Bill Daly, added more fuel to the fire.
No, Bill, the science is absolutely not lacking. Legal experts have well advised the two NHL executives to avoid a potential lawsuit or class-action.
In your opinion, should the handling of the CTE issue lead to Gary Bettman's be fired?
| POLL | ||
Do you think that would be a good thing to replace Gary Bettman as NHL commissioner? | ||
| Yes | 223 | 91 % |
| No | 22 | 9 % |
| List of polls | ||
