Boogaard Family Suing NHLPA

((HT: TMZ via Howard Bloom))

It appears the family of former NHL enforcer Derek Boogaard is suing the NHLPA because the family thinks the player's association didn't act fast enough in getting the remainder of his contract paid off.

Boogaard, who died from an overdose of pain medication and alcohol last May, had US$4.8-million left on his deal with the New York Rangers.

Since the family feels the National Hockey League is responsible for fostering an environment of having athletes prescribed to pain medication and sleeping pills, they went after the league. But since the NHLPA, apparently, didn't file the grievance in time the Boogaard's are adding US$5-million to the lawsuit.

From the TMZ story:

"In the lawsuit, Derek's parents claim he was addicted to prescription pills at the time of his death ... partly because he had been prescribed "a multitude of narcotics and sleeping pills by both the team doctors, physicians, trainers, and dentists of the New York Rangers and the Minnesota Wild.

"Because Derek's parents believe the NHL teams are partly responsible for their son's death, they turned to the NHL PA which promised to help them file a grievance to get the Rangers to pay out the rest of Derek's multi-million dollar 4-year contract with the team.

"But, according to the lawsuit, the NHL PA failed to file the grievance by the required deadline, so the Boogaards were unable to collect ... and now the Boogaards are PISSED."

The HQ has always wanted to considered the word "pissed" part of the journalistic vernacular...

And, then, of course the Player's Association came out with their statement on the matter... surprising no one with its generic nature...


"We are saddened to read reports that the parents of the late Derek Boogaard have filed a lawsuit against the NHLPA.  We have not been served with or seen a copy of the complaint, but we are confident that there is no meritorious claim that can be made against the NHLPA in regard to Derek's tragic death. It is not appropriate to comment further at this time."

Here's the Tribute Ceremony at the Xcel Center from last year...
((HT: FSNorth.youtube))

 

More when we know more...