betplom
Everythings computer!
- Since
- Jan 27, 2010
- Messages
- 28,952
- Score
- 1,594
- Tokens
- 0
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hocke...rt-had-degenerative-brain-disease-report?bn=1
Associated Press
TECUMSEH, ONT.—Researchers at Boston University have found a degenerative disease in brain tissue donated by former NHL tough guy Bob Probert, according to a New York Times report.
The newspaper published on its website Wednesday night that Probert had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he died last July of heart failure at age 45.
Probert played 16 seasons in the NHL and his 3,300 penalty minutes rank fifth on the league’s career list.
Officials from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) reportedly say that Probert is the second hockey player from their program to exhibit the degenerative disease. Reggie Fleming, a 1960s tough guy who played before helmets became mandatory, was also diagnosed.
“How much is the hockey and how much is the fighting, we don’t really know,” Dr. Robert Cantu, the co-director of the centre, told the Times. “We haven’t definitely established that the skills of hockey as a sport lead to a certain percentage of participants developing CTE. But it can happen to hockey players, and while they’re still relatively young.”
CSTE is a collaboration between Boston University Medical School and the Sports Legacy Institute that is attempting to address what it calls the “concussion crisis” in sports. The group has been at the forefront of research into head trauma in sports, and has received a $1 million U.S. gift from the NFL, which it has pushed for better treatment of concussions.
The family of former Bears safety Dave Duerson agreed to donate his brain to the study after he committed suicide last month at the age of 50.
Chris Nowinski, one of the founders of the Sports Legacy Institute, declined comment when asked about Probert on Wednesday night. But he told The Associated Press the centre would have an announcement Thursday morning.
The AP also sent an email to NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly seeking comment.
Nowinski said last month more than 300 athletes, including 100 current and former NFL players, are on the CSTE’s brain donation registry. There are 65 cases currently being studied.
Probert, who struggled to overcome drinking problems during his time in the NHL, played for the Red Wings from 1985-94 and the Blackhawks from 1995-2002.
Several of the NHL’s biggest stars, including Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby, have missed time this season due to the effects of a concussion.
Commissioner Gary Bettman said during the all-star break that concussions are up this season, but quickly noted the increase seems to be caused by accidental or inadvertent situations, instead of by head contact from another player.
Associated Press
TECUMSEH, ONT.—Researchers at Boston University have found a degenerative disease in brain tissue donated by former NHL tough guy Bob Probert, according to a New York Times report.
The newspaper published on its website Wednesday night that Probert had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he died last July of heart failure at age 45.
Probert played 16 seasons in the NHL and his 3,300 penalty minutes rank fifth on the league’s career list.
Officials from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) reportedly say that Probert is the second hockey player from their program to exhibit the degenerative disease. Reggie Fleming, a 1960s tough guy who played before helmets became mandatory, was also diagnosed.
“How much is the hockey and how much is the fighting, we don’t really know,” Dr. Robert Cantu, the co-director of the centre, told the Times. “We haven’t definitely established that the skills of hockey as a sport lead to a certain percentage of participants developing CTE. But it can happen to hockey players, and while they’re still relatively young.”
CSTE is a collaboration between Boston University Medical School and the Sports Legacy Institute that is attempting to address what it calls the “concussion crisis” in sports. The group has been at the forefront of research into head trauma in sports, and has received a $1 million U.S. gift from the NFL, which it has pushed for better treatment of concussions.
The family of former Bears safety Dave Duerson agreed to donate his brain to the study after he committed suicide last month at the age of 50.
Chris Nowinski, one of the founders of the Sports Legacy Institute, declined comment when asked about Probert on Wednesday night. But he told The Associated Press the centre would have an announcement Thursday morning.
The AP also sent an email to NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly seeking comment.
Nowinski said last month more than 300 athletes, including 100 current and former NFL players, are on the CSTE’s brain donation registry. There are 65 cases currently being studied.
Probert, who struggled to overcome drinking problems during his time in the NHL, played for the Red Wings from 1985-94 and the Blackhawks from 1995-2002.
Several of the NHL’s biggest stars, including Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby, have missed time this season due to the effects of a concussion.
Commissioner Gary Bettman said during the all-star break that concussions are up this season, but quickly noted the increase seems to be caused by accidental or inadvertent situations, instead of by head contact from another player.
