A chiropractor who has been examining Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby told a Pittsburgh radio station that he feels Crosby is ready for physical contact, according to a report in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
"Sid's as ready (for physical contact) as just about any player in the NHL," Florida-based chiropractor Ted Carrick said, according to the report. Carrick was one of two doctors alongside Crosby at his September 7 press conference.
"Now it is more a situation of his physicality and getting back into shape."
The report went on to say that officials at UPMC, a concussion clinic where Crosby has been receiving treatment, declined to address the star's status but added that they were "surprised" by Carrick's comments.
A clinic spokesperson also said that Michael Collins, the other doctor at the Sept. 7 press conference, stands behind comments he made at the time.
The Penguins declined to comment but the team sources said the team was not happy with Carrick talking to the radio station, according to the report.
The 24-year-old was recently cleared to practice without contact as the Penguins opened camp on Friday.
Crosby suffered a concussion during the Winter Classic against the Washington Capitals on New Year's Day. He returned four days later but left the January 5 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after being hit into the boards. Crosby sat out the remainder of the season.
