In a brutal sport, such as
hockey, we (as fans) often view the big hits, fights and physicality as
entertainment or "just a part of the game". In the above article of
Derek Boogaard, we are able to see the controversy and consequences that are associated
to the sport and how they specifically put the athletes at risk for both injury
and in this case - addiction. Boogaard, labeled as an "enforcer"
within the NHL, partook in fights on the ice on a regular basis which led to
many injuries. These injuries caused his team physicians to constantly provide
him with a regimen of painkillers, which led to his addiction of opioids like Vicodin.
In this case, it led to his eventual death from overdose, despite rehab
attempts and support from teammates, family and NHL teams. His family has filed
a lawsuit against the NHL, stating that they are partially to blame for his
addiction and death. As stated in the above article, the NHL will likely
respond that Boogaard was personally responsible for his actions/addiction habits.
There is some
evidence that the NHL did not properly document his medical treatments, thus
was given prescriptions from various team doctors who had no
knowledge/documents stating his past/current state of addiction. In this case,
who is responsible for the athlete’s well-being? Is it the individual athlete
or the league that individual is associated with? When the brutality and
injuries of hockey gets mixed with the pressure to play/perform as a
professional athlete, does the athlete really have the power to decline
treatment and sit out due to an injury?
Celeste S.
KIN 577
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