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The NFL thought it be a good idea to fine one of their players $50,000 for allegedly faking a concussion this season, but rescinded in full after appeal.
NFL Players Association president, JC Tretter, shared the information on a column he wrote for the site called: ‘Why The NFL On-Field Fine System Is Not Fine’, where he took a swing at the NFL’s fine system.
Apparently, an unnamed player was accused of faking a concussion. The team’s medics gave the nod for him to hit the turf and undergo a concussion evaluation, which is standard procedure after a knock to the head. The player dutifully followed the protocol, got and evaluated missed a couple of series.
However, the NFL decided that this warranted a $50,000 fine. Not the best way to incentivize self-reporting, is it?
The player appealed the fine and the good news (for everyone involved) is that the NFL had a change of heart and scrapped the fine entirely.
Tretter raised concerns about this episode setting a worrisome precedent. After all, if players are supposed to self-report injuries for their own well-being, penalizing them for following the reporting protocol seems like a bit of a head-scratcher.
All in all, it’s a good thing the NFL reversed the fine; otherwise, they might have found themselves in quite a PR problem.