NFLPA to Investigate Cam Newton's Concussion Protocol
After a bit of controversy has arisen due to the hits to Cam Newton last Thursday night, there will now be a further investigation into the matter.
Following Thursday night’s season opener in which Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was the recipient of multiple helmet-to-helmet hits, the NFLPA and NFL have announced they will investigate further into the handling of the situation.
Newton was hit in the head numerous times during the game and drew just one flag. The aftermathc of the play that drew the flag, a hit by Broncos’ safety Darian Stewart, is what the league will be reviewing.
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts in pain on the sidelines after suffering an injury in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
After the play, Newton was visibly shaken up and laid facedown on the turf before getting up. While not shown in the telecast. It has been confirmed by multiple outlets that medical examiners came onto the field to check on the Panthers QB and determined he was okay to remain in the game.
The investigation will not be directed towards the NFL. Rather, it will focus on the Panthers medical staff and organization to determine if they properly evaluated Newton for concussion-like symptoms.
ESPN.com’s report of the investigation detailed the procedure:
Under the policy, agreed on in July, if the NFLPA’s findings dispute the league’s findings, the union can appeal to a neutral arbitrator, who has the authority to discipline the Panthers and others who were responsible for Newton’s well-being.
On Friday, the NFL released a statement in regards to their review of the concussion protocol and it’s execution:
Our statement on Concussion Protocol review pic.twitter.com/tq4sChAZOK
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) September 11, 2016
According to Carolina head coach Ron Rivera, Newton had passed all the required tests to remain in the game and afterwards, passed four more given by the team’s medical staff;
“I’m not going to question the doctors. OK? There is a protocol. There is a set of rules that these doctors, these trained professionals have to follow. The understanding is when everything first happened, they followed the protocol,” said Rivera. “…All of them he’s passed.”
There’s currently no timetable for the ruling on this matter to be delivered but if past investigations involving these two parties (NFL and NFLPA) is any indications, it could be some time.
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