Ballerific Sports: NFLPA To Investigate The Handling Of Cam Newton In Regards to Concussion Protocol – blogged by @niksofly

(Photo Credit: Justin Edmonds / @gettyimagesport)

The #NFL season kicked off last Thursday with the #CarolinaPanthers taking on the #DenverBroncos . During the game, #CamNewton sustained multiple blows to his head that, according to the concussion protocol, were not handled correctly. As a result, the #NFLPA is seeking to initiate a compliance investigation.

This season marks the start of the new concussion-protocol enforcement agreement between the NFL and NFLPA. The new protocol requires the NFLPA submit a request for investigation within two weeks. If at the conclusion of the investigation wrongdoing is determined, the teams could face lofty fines and potentially lose draft choices. In addition, spotters, non affiliated third-parties, are now placed in the press box to get a bird’s eye-view of the game. These individuals can stop the game to have players removed for evaluation.

Players that have sustained head trauma require a cognitive examination. Although Newton received multiple hits, and was seen at some point during the game holding his head and having difficulty getting on his feet, no exam was administered. Newton was examined after the game, but was not placed on the concussion list, although experts say symptoms may take days to develop.
According to NFL.com, a source has stated that the #NFLPA is seeking to speak with two more “key figures” at Thursday night’s game after conducting several interviews.

The NFL initially said on Friday that on Thursday, during the game the medical staff and independent specialist reviewed the final head blow and concluded that there was no evidence to support removing Cam from the game nor do further testing. However, by Sunday the NFL’s spokesman Brian McCarthy issued a statement with different sentiments.

“The NFL is committed to the proper application of the Concussion Protocol. In order to ensure that it is being uniformly applied across all 32 NFL teams, we have decided to initiate a review of the medical team’s response to the Cam Newton tackle, under the procedure set forth by the collective bargaining agreement. Under that procedure, representatives from the league and the players association will review the relevant documents and video and interview the involved parties to ensure that the Protocol was applied properly. It is important to note that initiation of this process does not mean that we have seen any evidence that the Protocol was applied improperly, but simply reflects our obligation to ensure the health and safety of our players.”

Cam’s agent, Bus Cook stated that watching Thursday’s game bothered him. “I’ve been through this before with Brett [Favre] and the ‘Bountygate’ game, the NFC Championship between the Saints and the Vikings, and I was having flashbacks to that. The ref’s aren’t going to be perfect, but this is more than one or two hits … I’m glad the PA is stepping up and I think this can help the situation for everyone. If safety is the top priority, then you’ve got to do something now.”

-Niko Rose