01-16-2016, 05:59 PM
(01-16-2016, 03:57 PM)StLucieBengal Wrote: I just think the concussion protocol is there to protect the league and players association from future litigation. Has zero to do with protecting players.
The players should be able to decide whether they play or are out. If they want to be out they can claim concussion concerns after being examined by the blue hat. But the decision should be on the player himself with all the info from the independent docs.
I don't have a problem with the steelers skirting the protocol. I think it should not be able to hold a player out.
The return to play after a concussion protocol was developed by neurologists who are concussion experts independently of the NFL. It is the same protocol which should be used to return a high school football player to the field. Medically speaking, it is the standard of care. It is only about protecting the patient and to suggest otherwise is absolutely, unequivocally, 100% false.
Some of the symptoms of a concussion include confusion, dizziness, slowed reaction time, etc. which can put the player at increased risk of further injury. Confusion affects decision making. So a concussed player shouldn't be the one deciding if they are out. Symptoms of a concussion may not appear until later that week. Plus you have to consider the likelihood of second concussion syndrome which is an area of controversy.
The NFL adopted the protocol and they have probably modified it for their own purposes. After settling out of court for almost a billion dollars with the players regarding head injuries and considering the NFL's concussion track record I have no doubt they have adopted the policy to cover their ass and protect their revenue. With that being said, your disinformation shouldn't be allowed to take root.
