Well-known NHL agent Allan Walsh calls for Gary Bettman's resignation

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Tyler Ball
March 29, 2024 (0:13)

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Gary Bettman has had a controversial tenure as the commissioner of the NHL. Today that controversy continued as a notable NHL agent called for him to be fired for his handling of CTE in the NHL.

The NHL has had a difficult month when it comes to notable players passing away. Earlier this month within the same week both Chris Simon and Konstantin Koltsov passed away. It was revealed a short time later that both individuals passed away due to mental health battles brought on by CTE.

Since their passing well known NHL agent Allan Walsh has been on a warpath against commissioner Gary Bettman. He is going after Gary Bettman because the commissioner refuses to acknowledge the link between playing in the NHL and developing CTE. Today Allan Walsh's pressure on Gary Bettman went to another level when he urged the commissioner to step down.

It's time for everyone with a stake in the game to demand Gary Bettman be removed as NHL commissioner. His continued denial of #CTE is not acceptable. The owners, players, media and fans have the collective power to demand he step down.

How many more Gary?

The hockey community has faced so much loss and tragedy in the past several years due to brain trauma-related injuries. The NHL has not only ignored these problems within the sport but this season it seems as though fighting and such has been encouraged and given a bigger platform again.

NHL and Gary Bettman amplify fighting while ignoring the effects

Studies have repeatedly proven over the years that contact sports played especially at high speed directly contribute to the onset of CTE. Instead of taking responsibility and trying to make the sport safer for all the NHL has almost gone in the opposite direction.

This season in particular the breakout of New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe has brought the debate to the forefront. Matt Rempe has been setting the league on fire with his electric fights. In the process, however, he has clearly taken damage that could be long-lasting.

As of now, Allan Walsh has not been successful in creating changes within the NHL's handling of concussions or CTE. Until something is done those with a voice loud enough for the NHL to hear will need to continue bringing up the issues created by a career in hockey and the lack of resources for retired players.

Source: Hockey Feed - Allan Walsh: Gary Bettman must be fired