NHL players slam union head Donald Fehr

Uh oh… safe to say there’s some dissension in the NHLPA ranks.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
NHL players slam union head Donald Fehr
Zuma Press

In case you missed it, yesterday the NHL announced that it has settled a class action lawsuit with more than 100 former players who alleged that the NHL failed to better prevent head injuries or warn players of the risks while also promoting violence and dangerous working conditions. In total, the NHL will pay out $16.9 million to 318 plaintiffs but has still refused to acknowledge any liability or wrongdoing.

“The NHL does not acknowledge any liability for any of Plaintiffs’ claims in these cases. However, the parties agree that the settlement is a fair and reasonable resolution and that it is in the parties’ respective best interests to receive the benefits of the settlement and to avoid the burden, risk and expense of further litigation.”

But, it wasn’t the words of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman that had players and former players upset yesterday, it was the words of NHL Players Association (NHLPA) executive director Donald Fehr that had the players up in arms.

“I’m glad it’s over,” NHL Players’ Association executive director Donald Fehr said. “It might make it easier for us to have discussions with the NHL going forward.”

Glad it’s over? Fehr is of course alluding to the fact that it’s been difficult to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the league under these circumstances and is hopeful that the two sides can now come together. Still… “glad it’s over”? That’s awfully dismissive…

Check out the reaction from some former players online:


Spoken like a true leader. Disregarding the hundreds of former players who helped build a league & who r suffering in silence - Daniel Carcillo


Dear Donald Fehr, “It’s” Not Over! - Nick Boynton

Meanwhile, former NHL enforcer Mike Peluso has announced that he will NOT be accepting the NHL’s paltry $22,000 settlement.


Former NHL enforcer Mike Peluso writes in a text message he will not be accepting a settlement in the concussion lawsuit. Mike wants his day in court.

“THIS IS AND WILL BE THERAPEUTIC!”

With contentious labor negotiations on the horizon, let’s hope for everyone’ sake that Fehr and the rest of the NHLPA can get on the same page. Nobody wants yet ANOTHER work stoppage in 2020. Get it together, gentlemen.

Source: NHLPA