Court emails suggest NHL aware of concussion risks of fighters

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (WPVI) -- A Minneapolis federal court has unsealed emails between top National Hockey League executives admitting concussions from fighting could lead to long-term problems.

The admissions came in the wake of the 2011 deaths of 3 NHL enforcers from suicide or drug overdoses.

Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien, and Wade Belak died within a short time of each other.

The NHL chiefs, including Commissioner Gary Bettman and his top lieutenants, contemplated whether to eliminate the role of the fighter on teams.

The league is fighting a class-action suit by former players that the NHL didn't warn them of the dangers of concussions.