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NFL Adds Concussion Rules

Teams must now keep independent neurologists on hand

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2009 6:45 AM CST | Updated Nov 23, 2009 7:48 AM CST

(Newser) – Facing heat from both players and Congress, the NFL is adopting new policies designed to protect players in the event of a concussion. Teams will soon be required to keep an impartial, independent neurologist on hand to treat players for concussions. Players won’t be allowed to return to the field until they’ve been cleared by both the team doctor and the neurologist, Fox reports.

Roger Goodell pushed hard for the new rules, after an embarrassing grilling in front of the House Judiciary Committee on the issue. “I don’t want to call it forced,” Chester Pitts, the Texans’ union rep, tells the New York Times. But “when you have Congress talking about the antitrust exemption and them calling them the tobacco industry, that’s pretty big.” The union and the league are both reviewing doctors to ensure they’re qualified, and impartial to the team they’re advising.

Philadelphia Eagles' Brian Westbrook adjusts his cap as he watches NFL football practice at the team's workout facility, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles' Brian Westbrook adjusts his cap as he watches NFL football practice at the team's workout facility, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, in Philadelphia.   (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is stopped by Cincinnati Bengals defenders Domata Peko Brandon Johnson and Frostee Rucker, Nov. 16, 2008, in Cincinnati.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is stopped by Cincinnati Bengals defenders Domata Peko Brandon Johnson and Frostee Rucker, Nov. 16, 2008, in Cincinnati.   (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
SalParadise
Nov 24, 2009 5:28 AM CST
Why Congress has felt the need to involve themselves in sports at all is beyond me.
CS1234
Nov 23, 2009 3:18 AM CST
Thank goodness Congress is concentrating on this right now in light of everything else going on.
alkaseltzersammich
Nov 23, 2009 2:15 AM CST
It's about time.

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