CFL commissioner Orridge denies link between CTE and football

CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge addressed media members at the annual state of the league, where he refuted any link between football and the degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

"Last I heard, it's still a subject of debate in the medical and scientific community," Orridge said according to Benjamin Blum of CBC. "The league's position is that there is no conclusive evidence at this point. And as I said, we continue to work with them and monitor the progress that they're making in terms of getting a greater understanding of whether or not there is a linkage."

The league is facing a $200-million class action lawsuit led by former players Korey Banks and Eric Allen, who allege the league, former commissioner Mark Cohon, and a Toronto doctor withheld information on how repeated concussions can lead to long-term brain disorders.

"I can't comment on any pending litigation, you know, otherwise I would compromise the legal process in this country, and we're not going to do that," Orridge said.

South of the border, the NFL admitted to a link between CTE and football back in March and were ruled to pay a $1-billion settlement after a judge ruled in favor of a class action lawsuit against the league.