Judge Dismisses NHL's Motion To Dismiss Players' Class-Action Lawsuit Over Concussions

The NHL’s motion to "dismiss a class-action lawsuit brought by former players over concussion-related injuries has been rejected" by U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson, allowing the former players to "continue efforts to examine NHL internal documents and emails and question league and team executives," according to Rick Westhead of TSN.ca. Nelson yesterday released an "order rejecting the league’s claims" that its CBA with the NHLPA "should preempt the claim." The NHL had "hoped the case would be argued before the National Labor Relations Board, where any monetary judgments might be lower." The players, including Bernie Nicholls, Joe Murphy and Craig Muni, argue the NHL "had a duty to inform players that repetitive head trauma could lead to long-term brain injuries." Moreover, the players contend the NHL "promoted and profited from fighting and violence" (TSN.ca, 5/18).