Leafs Reporter Sparks Controversy With Injury Claims About Auston Matthews
Toronto Sun reporter Steve Simmons created a stir when he made unverified injury claims about the Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews.
In the world of hockey, the privatization of players' lives including family, injury status, etc. is a hot topic. Many fans believe that players need to be more transparent, and players also want fans to respect they are more than just pro athletes.
Do Steve Simmons Comments Have Merit?
Yes. No. Maybe? It all depends.
The secrecy behind the injuries to players like Matthews is a safety measure against teams looking to target those specific players, and it wouldn't be great to paint a target that says 'Hit here' and risk being injured again.
Though Simmons did mention two NHL players confirmed Matthews' trip to Germany, he did not mention who they were in a bit of irony.
In regards to Matthews' injury however, Simmons touched on the classified knowledge that only the Maple Leafs and Matthews camp was privy to:
When Leafs general manager Brad Treliving was asked about it, he said he wouldn't comment other than to defer to what he already has said on «Auston's injury and related care.»" Simmons wrote.
It was the related care that seemed to irk Simmons as well. The main issue brought up is that Matthews supposedly visited controversial sports physician Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt in Germany to look at his injuries, and a doctor known for some interesting healing methods.
Simmons then speculated that sources (unidentified, and as private as Matthews' injury) said the issue was a back or wrist injury, but provided no evidence to back up his claim:
Simmons also touched on the treatments Dr. Muller-Wohlfarht uses,, though did mentioned it was not confirmed Matthews received any of the medicine.
While Simmons is understandably cautious at Matthews seeking a doctor with alternative treatment methods, one has to wonder why.
Dr. Muller-Wohlfarht's clientele range is vast and includes NFL running back Christian McCaffery and multi-time Olympian Usain Bolt; the former fastest man in the world.
He has medical knowledge beyond just his alternative treatments and has shown success for decades; he helps people albeit controversially.
The main focus needs to be the fact that Matthews is healthy. If Simmons wants some evidence, he can look to Max Pacioretty, who saw Dr. Muller-Wohlfahrt for his Achilles injury that helped get his footing back before an unfortunate injury (separate from the Achilles) derailed his season.
FAQ: Steve Simmons Gives Controversial Opinion On Auston Matthews' Injury
Q1: What was Simmons' controversial opinion?
A1: Simmons' opinion was that he didn't agree with Matthews' camp being so secretive about his injury, or the reason why he made his trip to Germany to get an opinion about his ailment.
Q2: Why is Dr. Muller-Wohlfahrt controversial?
A2: Dr. Muller-Wohlfahrt is controversial due to his use of naturopathic medicine in sports physiology, as well as eschewing traditional diagnostic methods for a more natural approach to healing.
In closing, it's understandable why Simmons is frustrated at the secrecy behind Matthews' injury, but at the end of the day, it's Matthews' body.
He has the right to choose what is best for him, and where he decides to do it is his business.
