I have a really hard time with this issue.
On the one hand, the team doctors should not let him play. Naturally he wants to be out there helping his team. The docs have an obligation to stop him and look after his health, they know better than he does.
On the other hand, surely he knows the risks that he's taking when being diagnosed with a concussion and then playing regardless. He needs to look after his own health, he's played hockey his whole life, he knows the risks. Plus it's not like it's a question of livelihood - he has a guaranteed contract. Though a bit grey there because it could affect future contracts if he is seen as injury prone.
I don't really know where I stand. The league certainly needs to continue to do more to address this issue. Stiffer penalties for headshots and possibly take fighting right out of the game. But the players have to accept some of the responsibility as well. I mean, these are guys who refused to wear helmets....then refused to wear visors....and something like 99% of NHLers want to keep fighting in the game. At what point do we hold them accountable for their injuries as a result? If I wanted to work a really high paying but dangerous job, such as ??? (someone help me out here), I should be able to do so and I understand the risks of doing so without having to sue the company if I get hurt.
I think the conclusion is that the truth is somewhere in the middle.
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