Bob Probert's Brain Donated to Researchers by Family

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL Injuries, FanHouse Exclusive

The family of Bob Probert donated the brain of the former NHL tough guy to a group of researchers at Boston University who have studied the link between head trauma and debilitating heath effects in football players and boxers.

"I believe that it was a very difficult decision," said Daniel Parkinson, whose daughter, Dani, was married to Probert. "I know Dani and Bob had spoken about (donating his body to science) prior to his passing. I know he wanted to advance the research."

Probert died at age 45 from a massive heart attack in July. He ranks sixth all-time in penalty minutes, a good chunk of that from picking up fighting majors during an NHL career that spanned 16 seasons spit between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.

Chris Nowinski, co-director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) at the Boston University School of Medicine, told FanHouse that the university has received three brains of former hockey players. Citing privacy policies, Nowinski said he could only release the identity of one: former NHL player Reggie Fleming, who died in July 2009 at age 73.

 

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