Except all these players have promotional deals…

Does the job of fighting fires come with risks? Yes, it does. And a fireman in Massachusetts was laid to rest today because he accepted those risks. He accepted those risks for a much greater cause than entertainment, and for much less compensation. Thank God we have brave people who will accept those risks.

The night clerk at 7-11 faces inherent risks, so do taxi drivers and almost every other job I know of. Some more, some less, but we all accept those risks. So choose an occupation with as much inherent risk as you are willing to take, and accept it.

Has the NHL knowingly created an ‘unsafe workplace’ for its players? What we know about concussions is much greater today than it was 20 years ago, but our knowledge is still very incomplete. The league cannot be blamed. Further, the players are full partners is the NHL. Nothing can happen without the players agreement. This is an issue that the league and players have to address together for the benefit of both. The last thing we need is a bunch of self-serving lawyers getting involved.

Having said all this, it’s clear the league and players have a problem. When the best players are falling like flies, the red light should go on. The rules, the equipment and as Roenick said, the mutual respect among players all have to be considered. That’s going to happen now, and that’s good. No need to play the blame game.