NFL Thinking Clears On Concussions
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By DERON SNYDER
No matter how much they try to make objective, impartial decisions regarding players’ fitness, the trainers and medical staff for NFL teams aren’t oblivious.
They realize that coaches, front-office executives and teammates are concerned about the health and well-being of each individual player. But they also know that there’s a strong desire to see injured players return to action as soon as possible, which is the wish of every injured player, too.
There’s no telling how much subliminal pressure factors into decisions when a player is deemed healthy. If it’s a 50-50 call, do the staff err on the side of caution? Or do they cross their fingers and send the player back on the field?
The NFL finally took a step toward addressing the potential conflict of interest on Wednesday. The league announced that a certified athletic trainer, paid by the NFL, will be at each game to monitor play and provide medical staff with “any relevant information that may assist them in determining the most appropriate evaluation and treatment.”
