I would submit that a review of the matter by a highly regarded neurosurgeon qualifies as slightly more than, “speculation.” It may be opinion, but it is certainly a highly educated opinion formed by years and years of experience, and probably some of the most qualified commentary on the issue to date.
Was he present at the autopsy? Has he been supplied with the autopsy report? What, then, is the basis for his speculation?
He speculates about "rolling around" - presuming a fact not in evidence.
Dr. Ben is neurosurgeon, not a spine and neck specialist. He doesn't necessarily have any special expertise in neck injuries.
But, there was an offensive lineman, Mike Utley of the Detroit Lions, that broke two vertebrae at the base of his neck while falling face first on astroturf. His head and neck ever came in contact with another player during the injury. Maybe Dr. Ben can tell us the difference between Utley's injury and Gray's injury but I doubt there is much of a difference.
Did Carson actually see all the medical reports or is he speculating on news reports? Big difference.
I disagree. To my knowledge, the coroner’s report is not released. If Dr. Carson has not seen the report (at a minimum) or examined the body himself, this is uninformed speculation, because he is relying on second hand information from interested (read: biased) parties to for the opinion.