NFL steps up effort to police concussions
Gordon reinstated on conditional basis
NEW YORK, July 26, (Agencies): The NFL is stepping up penalties on teams that fail to follow its concussion protocol designed to protect players from the dangers of repeated head injuries.
The league and the NFL Players Association announced a new policy on Monday setting forth disciplinary action against a club should a member of its medical staff or other employee fail to follow the protocol — which calls for players who might have suffered a concussion to be medically cleared before returning to the field.
Clubs found in violation could face fines of up to $150,000 and the forfeiture of future draft selections. The protocol came under scrutiny last season when the Rams were criticized for leaving quarterback Case Keenum in a game after a blow to the head left him obviously dazed.
The league and union said that under the new policy a representative of each will monitor the implementation of the protocol and investigate potential violations.
The investigation will not reach medical conclusions but will only determine whether the protocol was followed.
Following the investigation, the NFL and NFLPA will review the findings to determine if a violation occurred and, if so, to recommend the proper disciplinary response.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell last week regarding his indefinite drug ban, the league announced Monday.
Gordon will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season and will be eligible to return to the team beginning Oct 3. During this suspension, Gordon may participate in team meetings and other activities but may not attend or participate in practices or games.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is reportedly facing a four-game suspension for missing drug tests, but took to social media and said he will appeal if suspended and is confident he will win his appeal.
“I’m not going to miss games, trust me,” he posted on Instagram.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith, currently serving a one-year suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, might now be investigated for an online video. A league source told ESPN’s Ed
Werder the NFL will investigate whether Smith has violated the conditions required of a suspended player seeking reinstatement to the league.
FOOTBALL
Wide receiver Greg Jennings has announced his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons.
The 32-year-old Jennings said he can still physically play but has elected to move on from football.
The two-time Pro Bowler finishes his career with 571 catches for 8,291 yards and 64 touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Phil Loadholt plans to retire from the NFL at age 30, effectively ending the competition for the starting job at right tackle.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson plans to keep Carson Wentz near him on the sideline this season.
Asked as rookies reported with quarterbacks for the start of camp, Pederson said a redshirt year awaits the No. 2 overall pick based on the best-laid plans of the firstyear head coach.