Hockey player files lawsuit against rival after being paralyzed during game

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Axel Williams
September 9, 2024 (4:09 PM)

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Mike Glemser of the Rosenheim Star Bulls was paralyzed from the neck down in February of 2023 after an on-ice hit from Riessersee SC player Jan-Niklas Pietsch.

At first, Glemser claimed that the hit was not Pietsch's fault. After all, these kinds of things can happen when playing a sport like hockey. However, over a year later, Glemser has filed a lawsuit against Pietsch that is worth close to $1 million USD. He is currently suing for damages and all future damages that may be incurred.

A lawyer for Pietsch believes that this could end up setting a dangerous precedent for not just hockey, but all sports overall. After all, anything can happen when you step on the field, the ice, or the court. If you open up a can of worms like this, athletes will be incentivized to perform at a slower pace.

"A ruling in favor of Glemser could have an impact on other sports. Then, fouls in sports such as ice hockey, football or handball, which lead to punishments such as time penalties or expulsions during the games, could be interpreted as physical assault afterwards."

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