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Berard ends comeback attempt Report: Leafs defenseman can't meet vision requirement
TORONTO (AP) -- Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan Berard has given up on returning to the NHL following a severe eye injury. USA Today reported on its Web site Monday that Berard is unable to see anything beyond shapes in his injured eye and could not make the league's minimum vision requirement. Berard was injured March 11 when Marian Hossa's stick hit him in the right eye during Toronto's game against Ottawa. Berard's vision was damaged to the point where a comeback seemed extremely unlikely, but he continued to practice with the hope of returning to the NHL. Berard's agent, Tom Laidlaw, said Berard has decided not to speak publicly about the situation. He said the player is comfortable with the decision. "Obviously he's disappointed that he can't play in the National Hockey League," Laidlaw told USA Today. "But he's a very strong person and he gets great support from his family and he understands the situation. He's ready to move on with his life. "After conferring with all of his doctors, we have reached the conclusion that he can't make the 20/400 minimum vision requirement. As much as he wants to play, he can't." Laidlaw said Berard is still planning to be fitted with a special contact lens that might improve his vision to the point of helping him in everyday life. Laidlaw said Berard plans to accept the league's $6 million disability insurance payment for a career-ending injury once the one-year waiting period expires March 11. Berard had considered suing the NHL to change the eyesight minimums, but decided against it. Berard was selected first overall by Ottawa in the 1995 Entry Draft. He had 34 goals and 124 assists in 290 career games for the New York Islanders and Toronto. He was the 1997 Rookie of the Year with the Islanders and also played on the 1998 U.S. Olympic team.
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