U.S. Senator appalled by Gary Bettman’s stance on concussions

Attending the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this week, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) railed against NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s denial of any proven link between head trauma and the brain damage condition known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

A ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, which overseas professional and amateur sports, Blumenthal had previously written to Bettman with nine questions about the issue, to which Bettman replied in a 24-page missive that was filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday afternoon.

                          

“I was surprised and appalled, because I thought the response would be more receptive,” Blumenthal told SI.com via telephone from Philadelphia. “I would’ve welcomed an acknowledgement for stronger action and a commitment to determining whether the game is causing these heartrending injuries with such painful consequences, rather than dismissing the link between hockey and CTE.”