“Had no idea what CTE even stood for,” Greg Johnson’s daughter PLEADS NHL to ‘protect its players’ after forward attempts suicide in 2019

Greg Johnson’s diagnosis reveals the player had CTE before committing suicide in 2019; 13 years after retirement from ice.

“Had no idea what CTE even stood for,” Greg Johnson’s daughter PLEADS NHL to ‘protect its players’ after forward attempts suicide in 2019

Greg Johnson [Image Credit: Yardbarker]

Former NHLer Greg Johnson’s tragic death once again raises the question of player safety in the National Hockey League. The forward, who was reported to have committed suicide on July 7, 2019, was now diagnosed with CTE after a brain analysis done by Dr. Ann McKee of the Boston University of CTE Center.

According to her study, the forward’s brain had been in contact with on-ice injuries, especially hits to the head multiple times. Unfortunately, in the case of CTE, the diagnosis can only be made after death.

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Johnson’s family was shocked to know the real reason behind his death. The 12-year NHL veteran took his last breath by a gunshot, 13 years after his retirement from ice. His wife, Kristin commented,

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This diagnosis took my breath away. Greg’s death shattered our world, and we never once thought this disease was something he struggled with.
Kristin as per Ryan Morik of Fox News.

Greg Johnson’s eldest daughter Carson commented how “I had no idea what CTE even stood for when my dad took his life.” His youngest daughter Piper said how she is proud to have “my dad’s legacy” and wishes no one to ever lose their family member in such a way.

Allan Walsh takes a jab at Gary Bettman following Greg Johnson’s CTE diagnosis

Allan Walsh took to social media to call out NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman after forward Greg Jonson was diagnosed with CTE. He noted, “there is NHL player blood on your hands” on X. There have been a few cases where a player passed away due to either on-ice accidents or after receiving life-threatening damages.

Gary Bettman
Gary Bettman (Image via AP)

One of the most recent incidents apart from Greg Johnson is Adam Johnson’s death on October 28, 2023. Although the reasons are completely different from Greg’s death, Adam too passed away from on-ice incidents. 

Now, player’s families, friends, and fans are concerned about their safety and the lifelong effects a player has to deal with by receiving heavy on-ice blows. They have demanded a change, and it remains to be seen what changes the league brings forth to ensure player safety. 

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