Kevin Stevens is among the former players involved in the lawsuit against the NHLGETTY IMAGES
The NHL and attorneys for retired players said that a "tentative settlement has been reached in a lawsuit brought against the league over head injuries," according to Stephen Whyno of the AP. The two sides today announced a "tentative non-class settlement after months of court-ordered mediation." The lawsuit involved "more than 100 former players who accused the NHL of failing to better prevent head trauma or warn players of risks while promoting violent play that led to their injuries." The NHL said that it "does not acknowledge any liability for any of the players' claims." A league spokesperson said that there would be "no comment until after the opt-in period of 75 days for players." Attorneys for the retired players said that the settlement "includes a cash payment for players who choose to participate; neurological testing and assessment for players paid for by the league; an administrative fund to pay for the costs and up to $75,000 in medical treatment for players who test positive on two or more tests" (AP, 11/12). TSN.ca's Rick Westhead notes the settlement will "only be available to the roughly 350 players who have either sued the NHL or who hired a lawyer before Nov. 1 to pursue a lawsuit." Players who "accept the settlement will receive $22,000." Those players will have "three years to be tested at the NHL’s expense for neurocognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease" (TSN.ca, 11/12). FORBES' Mike Ozanian noted the settlement of around for $18.9M would see players receive around $6.9M (FORBES.com, 11/9).
FAVORABLE OUTCOME? YAHOO SPORTS' Justin Cuthbert wrote NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has "wielded his power and influence to great effect once again," as this "victory here is undeniable." Not only does he "secure a resolution to the lawsuit and controversy," but it will "cost the league pennies in the grand scheme of things." Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that the "pending agreement shouldn’t be called a 'settlement' yet, as it will be up to the individual players to opt in." Still, the "writing seems to be on the wall for those who felt mistreated by the NHL during their careers and into retirement" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 11/9).
A VOICE FOR THE PLAYERS: In Montreal, Stu Cowan noted Octagon Hockey co-Managing Dir Allan Walsh currently "represents about 90 NHL players." Asked what the one thing he would change if he could be commissioner for a day, Walsh said, "The first thing I would do is set up a fund and a program to help retired players, especially those suffering from the effects of traumatic brain injury over the course of their career. What people don’t see is the effects that concussions and repetitive head trauma has had on players over their careers and there are so many players out there right now in their 50s, in their 60s who are struggling with their quality of life and it’s just not fair" (MONTREAL GAZETTE, 11/10).
