NFL Players Union Demand Investigation Into “No Action By Refs After DeVante Parker’s concussion symptoms”

When DeVante Parker of New England displayed concussion symptoms during Monday’s Patriots-Cardinals game in Arizona, the NFL Players’ Union questioned why the game was not immediately stopped. reports ESPN.

After taking a blow in the first half, Parker, a wide receiver for the Patriots, seemed unsteady, but the game wasn’t called until Nelson Agholor made a signal to the referees. Parker is 29 years old.

NFL Players Union Demand Investigation Into “No Action By Refs After DeVante Parker’s concussion symptoms”

The NFL employs concussion spotters, who are licensed sports trainers tasked with keeping an eye out for any possible head injuries while watching play on the field and the broadcast feed. The spotter can communicate information to the team’s bench area when such an occasion arises.

Since 2015, those spotters have had the authority to halt a game if they see either of two distinct situations: either a player who is obviously unstable or disoriented or a player who is attempting to stay on the field by refusing medical attention.

Following a September 25 game in which Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played despite stumbling and showing signs of a concussion, the NFL’s concussion spotters have come under scrutiny this season.

The Dolphins doctor was informed by Tagovailoa that his back and ankle issues caused him to stumble. The next week, when he did sustain a concussion against the Cincinnati Bengals, he was given the all-clear to play.

After reviewing the procedure that exonerated Tagovailoa, the league and the union removed one of their independent neurotrauma consultants.

Ataxia has since been added to the list of head injury symptoms that can cause a player to be disqualified by the NFL and NFLPA.

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According to a joint declaration, “Ataxia” is described as an aberration of balance/stability, motor coordination, or disordered speech brought on by a neurological problem. In other words, if a player is identified as having “ataxia” by a club or neutral medical professional participating in the implementation of the Concussion Protocol, he will not be allowed to play again and will be provided with the follow-up care needed by the Protocol.

Parker caught a 10-yard pass at the 4:19 mark of the first quarter and went to the ground hard on a tackle by the Cardinals’ Antonio Hamilton. Parker was slow and wobbly to get up, but play wasn’t initially halted by spotters.

Parker, 29, has 25 catches for 460 yards and a touchdown in 12 games (10 starts) this season, his first in New England.

 

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