Deveaux: I suffered concussion before lashing out at opponent in Sweden
Former NHL enforcer Andre Deveaux says he was suffering from concussion symptoms prior to attacking an opponent in a Swedish league game in March.
Deveaux met the media Friday, and claimed he suffered head trauma following a hit from behind in the previous game.
He showed video of this hit by Per Helmersson that Deveaux claims caused the injury.
Deveaux says this hit, delivered by Per H. caused him severe head injuries, got no coverage in "biased Swed... https://t.co/IKMepQAVZg
— Mark Carcasole (@MarkCarcGlobal) May 8, 2015
"I have not been well enough to speak publicly before today," Deveaux told reporters. "Some things said about me in media that are just not true."
The former Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers forward said he was accused by Swedish officials of fabricating his concussion.
He said Helmersson's hit was followed by threats.
Deveaux claims he received threats in the gm following his concussion including "Next time you might be going off on a stretcher."
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) May 8, 2015
While comparisons to the Todd Bertuzzi-Steve Moore incident are inevitable, Deveaux claims this was different.
"I hit him in the skate. Todd Bertuzzi hit (Moore) in the head," Deveaux said, adding that he intentionally hit Helmersson in the skate to avoid injuring him.
The enforcer said Swedish media focused on Deveaux's hit and not Helmersson's initial check.
He explained his motivation for lashing out.
"I just didn't wanna get hurt again," says Deveaux asked what he was thinking during attack. "I couldn't take that chance again."
— Mark Carcasole (@MarkCarcGlobal) May 8, 2015
Deveaux's wife, Anya Nordstrom, said her husband collapsed during a recent dinner and has been suffering concussion symptoms.
A warrant was reportedly issued for Deveaux's arrest following his retaliatory slash.