A US judge on Monday dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit against the National Hockey League by the family of former enforcer Derek Boogaard, while admonishing the league to do a better job taking care of its players’ health.
US District Judge Gary Feinerman in Chicago said Len and Joanne Boogaard lacked authority to sue because they were not named trustees for their son’s estate within three years of his May 2011 death at age 28, as applicable Minnesota law required.
He also said the Boogaards forfeited claims that the NHL negligently promoted a “culture of gratuitous violence” and concealed the long-term risks of concussions, saying they “utterly and inexplicably” failed to address the league’s contrary arguments.
Photo: AP
“Although judgement is entered in the NHL’s favor, this opinion should not be read to commend how the NHL handled Boogaard’s particular circumstances — or the circumstances of other NHL players who over the years have suffered injuries from on-ice play,” Feinerman wrote.
William Gibbs, a lawyer for the Boogaards, declined to comment.
The NHL and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The lawsuit sought to hold the NHL, its board of governors and commissioner Gary Bettman responsible for physical trauma and brain injuries suffered by Derek Boogaard in his six seasons as a left winger for the Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers.
Derek Boogaard died of an accidental overdose of painkillers and was later found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy resulting from repeated blows to the head.
His parents said he had fought at least 66 times during games, and that the NHL should not have let him play after he had suffered a relapse following treatment for opioid addiction.
Dozens of former players are pursuing class action claims against the NHL in a Minnesota federal court over its alleged failure to warn about the dangers of head trauma.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely