Concussions Force Islander Wing Brett Lindros, 20, to End Career

Promising New York Islander right wing Brett Lindros, 20, reluctantly took doctors’ advice and retired Wednesday because of the cumulative effects of concussions.

“It wasn’t my decision,” said Lindros, younger brother of Philadelphia Flyer star Eric Lindros. “Three specialists and my family doctor told me my career is over.”

Lindros had a concussion as a rookie and suffered two more last fall. In two seasons he scored two goals and had five assists in 51 games. He has three years left on a $7.5-million insured contract.

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Phil Esposito, general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was fined for cursing reporter Kisha Ciabattari of the Asbury Park (N.J.) Press last Thursday. The fine is believed to be $10,000, the NHL maximum. Commissioner Gary Bettman plans to meet with Esposito to “ensure nothing like this will occur again,” the newspaper said.