Also, many are calling Burke hypocritical for stating that he doesn’t know enough about the issue, but then giving his opinion on the study. These people are wrong.

"If that link exists between CTE and depression, then we should have a much higher incidence of these types of episodes than we have. That’s my sense as a layman, and I don’t want young athletes not playing contact sports on the basis of research that’s not properly documented.
“It’s too early to say. This can’t be a revelation. It absolutely can’t be a revelation to athletes who play full-contact sports that there’s risk.

The only thing he said that I took issue with was the bit about how he doesn’t think the science supports the claims about CTE. He was good enough to clarify that it’s an uninformed opinion, but if he doesn’t consider his opinion informed enough to stand by, I’d rather he didn’t broadcast it — especially when his point doesn’t depend on it being correct.

I certainly agree with him that we should focus more on maximizing awareness of the risks involved with sports than on trying to chase the dragon of perfect safety.

I wouldn’t expect Brian Burke to be an expert on brain injuries. I also don’t think he sets Toronto’s policy regarding potential head injuries to its players (at least I hope not).

There also seems to be a bit of a disconnect here. Burke is talking about placing more emphasis on player responsibility, and not disagreeing that contact sports can cause brain injury. That said, the article seems written in a way that paints him as a “throwback” or simpleton, disregarding the evidence as some might the existence of evolution or global warming.

“I mean, I’ve had both my shoulders operated on, by right knee twice, I had at least four concussions I know about. I’m not surprised. If they say to me in my advanced years that there’s signs of this contact in my brain, I wouldn’t be surprised at that. I also wouldn’t trade the experiences those sports have given me in how they’ve shaped my life.”

I know a lot of hockey players (not necessarily pro or anything) who’ve basically said the same

I once had someone at the beach tell me that I should stop throwing sticks for my dog because she might get splinters in her gums. Really? Cause my dog lives for a good stick toss and she’d accept that splinter risk.

From the comments. Made me laugh.

 Burke basically states what we all know and why were all sick of hearing about this. All athletes in contact sports know you’re going to get hurt and are at risk to get seriously injured. Stop telling grown men what to do.