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It took a while for the NFL to acknowledge that concussions might not be the healthiest things in the world, and in recent years, the league has started to do what it can to prevent players from having to deal with the long-term repercussions of getting their shit absolutely rocked.
In 2013, the NFL announced it would be instituting a new rule that required players to pass a certain protocol in order to return to a game if officials believe they suffered a concussion on a play. However, the execution has left a bit to be desired.
On Sunday night, Eagles center Jason Kelce appeared to be a bit confused following a play in the second quarter of their game against the Falcons, as he was seen walking to Atlanta’s sideline after trying (and failing) to prevent a sack.
He eventually found his way to the correct side of the field, and shortly after, Al Michaels revealed Kelce had nevertheless managed to pass the concussion protocol.
“We saw [Jason] Kelce go to the wrong bench, but he clears concussion protocol.”
…I wonder why the NFL is reviewing its concussion protocol 🤔 pic.twitter.com/O89jc7j7L4
— Keith Albertson (@KeithTVGuy) September 16, 2019
Thinking Emoji indeed.
There’s been some speculation that Antonio Brown’s bizarre behavior over the past month or so could be the result of CTE (although it’s more likely he’s simply being the diva he is).
Additionally, last week, Rob Gronkowski said he’d estimated he suffered 20 concussions during the course of his nine years in the league—five of which he couldn’t even remember (although he claims he somehow figured out a way to fix the problem, which sounds exactly like what someone with CTE would say).
Sure, I’m not a doctor, but based on how this looks, the NFL still has some problem solving to do.