Devastating news struck the hockey world yesterday when a former player passed away far too young. Player agent Allen Walsh took the occurrence as an opportunity to call out Gary Bettman for ignoring the effects of concussions. <h3>Former NHL Enforcer Passes Away At Age 52</h3> Reports came out yesterday that <a href='https://www.hockeyotb.com/nhl/news/former-nhl-player-and-stanley-cup-winner-chris-simon-dies-at-52' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>former NHL enforcer Chris Simon died at the age of 52.</a> Simon had a long career spent with various teams, each of whom paid their respects to the their former player on social media. <q>Our teammate and brother Chris Simon, gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHLFlames/status/1770244456836436426'> </a></blockquote></div> <q>Washington Capitals statement on the passing of club alum Chris Simon:</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/1770193569795473543'> </a></blockquote></div> The tragedy has brought more attention to the issue of fighting in hockey and the impact repeated concussions has on athletes. <h3>Walsh Claims Gary Bettman Has Role In Former NHL Players Suffering</h3> Agent Allan Walsh took the opportunity to address some of his concerns about player safety with the modern NHL. Walsh has been very critical of Gary Bettman, especially his policies that relate to player health and safety. After Simon's passing, he called out Bettman for remaining complicit while former NHL players continue to suffer from the long-term side effects of fighting. <q>I'm angry and devastated at such a senseless tragedy. 101 fighting majors and Gary Bettman still denies the cumulative effects of repetitive head impacts. There is retired NHL players blood on Gary's hands. My condolences and sympathies to Chris' family and friends.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/walsha/status/1770213522359869600'> </a></blockquote></div> Simon was likely suffering from <a href='https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/study-brain-disease-cte-hits-athletes-differently/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a brain condition that many athletes develop after suffering repeated concussions.</a> The condition has life-altering and frequently debilitating symptoms. Hopefully, with fighting becoming less common in hockey, fewer athletes will have to suffer from this condition going forward.