Contacted by TVASports.ca, the head coach of the Kloten club in Switzerland in 2022-2023, Jeff Tomlinson, denied the story, and this, after having made additional checks with the team doctor.
"When you sent me this message, I immediately frowned because I am familiar with this disease and it has never been discussed during the season with our doctor. I checked again with him and he was very clear: 'No, that's absolutely not it.' It was only towards the end of the season that we noticed a bit of inflammation in his knees, but it was attributable to wear and tear, as we gave him a lot of playing time."
- TVA Sports