NFL meeting notes change in kickoffs results in 40 per cent reduction in concussions-NFL News
The National Football League (NFL) has claimed 40 per cent reduction in concussions as a result of the change in kickoffs.
Concussions and handling of the injuries have remained the main source of criticism for the league office, which now claims that there has been a significant amount of reduction in the head injuries since moving of the kickoffs five yards
up.
It might come as some respite in the fight against NFL office, which has been waged by its former players over the controversial handling of the injuries.
The league is embattled in a legal fight with the player, who accused the office of mishandling, manipulation and other illegal acts regarding the head injuries.
However, the competition committee of the NFL has noted down in the franchises owners’ meeting that the move in the kickoffs has resulted in the significant downward change in the situation.
Atlanta Falcons’ president, Rich McKay, who is chairman of NFL Competition Committee, said:
"The kickoff rule had an effect on the game. There was a 40 percent reduction in concussions on that play."
He added:
"There was a lot of talk about quarterback injuries. We watched every play where the quarterback was hurt. We looked at every roughing-the-passer penalty, 100-plus, and we were comfortable that the quarterback is being protected adequately."
It is pertinent to note that irrespective to the league’s claims of keeping the players’ safety and security on its priorities, former and current players as well as independent commentators have criticised its policies.
A recent incident that exposed all those policies was of the injury of Cleveland Browns’ quarterback, Colt McCoy. Even after suffering a head injury, he was allowed to resume the game without being inspected for it on the sidelines.
Following a wave of criticism, the league initiated an inquiry into the handling of his injury. The league’s inquiry found the system failure at Browns, but decided against announcing any punishment for them.
However, the incident resulted in one positive step that the league office started placing an athletic trainer in the press box during each game to monitor, assess and help teams’ medical staff in inspection of players for concussion.
Still, the issue of concussion and its handling has remained critical factor for the office. The latest disclosure might have come as good news for them but it is difficult to ascertain that it will be enough to redress grievances of the
players.
Some commentators believe that the office was too lenient on those involved in committing the fouls causing head injuries. For example, Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker, James Harrison, was suspended for one game following the hit on McCoy.
Given the fact that the player has been found committing the same foul five times in last two years, the one-game ban was seen to be too relaxed punishment and unlikely to discipline him.
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