When New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard died of an apparent overdose of painkillers and alcohol in May, it was a tragedy. Now, it has become a bit of a controversy.
The New York Times published a three-part feature on Boogaard's life and death, including the news that an autopsy revealed he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a degenerative brain ailment indicative of repeated brain trauma. There was also an allegation that Boogaard may have been warned of an upcoming drug test four days in advance.
The players' union and the commissioner's office have both responded to the article and its claims, but a current group of players are being advised not to: the New York Rangers.
Boogaard's former teammates are being advised not to comment on the story, according to the Bergen Record.
Rangers coach John Tortorella has also maintained some sense of space around the issue. When asked about his memories of Boogaard, he responded, "That's between Derek, myself and family. That's personal stuff."
