In January 2011 the NFL set up a new set of rules and regulations concerning concussions sustained by football players and their subsequent observation period which is now required before the concussed player can return to the field of battle. The NBA has adopted similar guidelines for its players this year.
Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to the 32 clubs saying a player who gets a concussion should not return to action on the same day if he shows certain symptoms which include an inability to remember assignments or plays, a gap in memory, persistent dizziness, and persistent headaches. The old standard, established in 2007, said a player should not be allowed to return to the same game if he lost consciousness.
The late hit on Jay Cutler last Sunday was flagrant and ugly but mostly it was uncalled for. Houston linebacker Tim Dobbins will surely receive a heavy fine from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell & Co. but perhaps he should be suspended for the remainder of the season as well for such a blatant act. It would serve as a warning to others that such behavior will no longer be tolerated on the playing field in professional sports. On the play in question, Cutler was penalized for an illegal forward pass while Dobbins was penalized for unnecessary roughness. They were ruled as offsetting penalties but they were hardly of equal weight to be judged as offsetting. The play took several minutes to come to completion because of a coach’s challenge and Cutler had time to gather his wits before the game continued. On the next play, Cutler scrambled for 11 yards but lowered his head to gain the first down and was hit by Kareem Jackson once again banging his head. He took six more snaps. The Bears coaching staff is taking some heat today for not taking Cutler out of the game sooner than they did.
Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick sustained a significant concussion in Week 10 vs. Dallas. Coach Andy Reid said Vick was pretty “foggy” after the game and it is important he rests. Vick is doubtful for next week against the Redskins. Backup Quarterback Nick Foles, will step in and it is entirely possible that Vick will be resting for the remainder of the season.
San Francisco’s Alex Smith was also knocked out of the game against the Rams on Sunday but Coach Jim Harbaugh said that he was feeling much better on Monday.
