In one tirade, hockey analyst — and former NHL coach and general manager — Mike Milbury demonstrated how far the NHL has to go on the concussion issue.
After a wild fight in Sunday’s Philadelphia-Pittsburgh NHL game, touched off in part by a cross-check Philadelphia’s Brayden Schenn delivered to Crosby, Milbury called NHL superstar Sidney Crosby a “punk” and “little goody-two-shoes.” When he referenced Crosby’s “35th concussion,” he also seemingly made light of Crosby’s concussion history by exaggerating the number of concussions Crosby has experienced.
“He’s not the perfect gentleman,” concluded Milbury. “He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes.” [Crosby may have had his hat pulled down over his eyes due to light sensitivity, a common concussion symptom.]
After catching some heat for his comments, Milbury apologized Tuesday. However, Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, wasn’t satisfied.
“Milbury went too far this time attacking the very sensitive issue of the concussion,” said Brisson.
Attacking Crosby’s actions on the ice is one thing, but bringing up his concussion history as part of his criticism is not only insensitive, it shows a lack of awareness and understanding when it comes to the serious issue of brain trauma in the NHL.
— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans
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