02-18-2021, 11:48 AM
(02-18-2021, 02:08 AM)bfine32 Wrote: Of course they are. Players get independent medical opinions all the time.
Now an owner could probably say: "You cannot play unless you follow the advice of our doctors" but I don't know how long that would fly....now if the NFL mandated it; that's different. Those things are agreed upon by the owners and NFLPA.
(02-18-2021, 11:04 AM)Au165 Wrote: The CBA specifically calls out a player's right to a second opinion. The player then has the right to follow the recommendations of the second physician as long as they notify the club physician they are choosing to pass on their recommendation in favor of the second opinion. Any attempt to prevent a player from following the medical advice of the second opinion would be grounds for the Union to file a grievance.
I admit I don't know all the details about this. Certainly players are allowed to seek second opinions and regarding treatment, but I would guess that team still has final say on what a player has to do to play.
I just can't imagine a situation where a team doctor says a player needs a cast or brace in order to play and the player being allowed to say he doesn't. Cordy Glenn was fined by the Bengals when he refused to accept the decision of team doctors on his ability to play.
Mandatory knee braces to prevent injuries could be an issue that needs to be resolved in the CBA. But as it stands right now I assume teams could make players wear them in order to play.
