Seattle fined for improper protocol

The Seattle Seahawks were fined $100,000 for not properly following concussion protocol with quarterback Russell Wilson in a gamein November.

The NFL and NFLPA announced their decision Thursday after an investigation that lasted more than a month. Along with the financial penalty, Seattle’s coaching and medical staffs will be required to attend remedial training regarding the concussion-protocol.

Seattle is the first team finedfor such a violation.

The investigation determined that Wilson was allowed back on the field before a required evaluation was performedon the sideline.

Wilson was hit in the chin by Arizona’s Karlos Dansby, whowas flagged for roughing the passer. Referee Walt Anderson sent Wilson off the field. But Wilson was in Seattle’s injury tent for only a few moments and he missed just one play before returning to the field.

Panthers

NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart said the league isn’t forcing Carolina owner Jerry Richardson to sell the team while he is under investigation for sexual and racial misconduct in the workplace. Lockhart said at a conference call Thursday that “there was no pressure from the league on Mr. Richardson” to sell his team. Lockhart said Richardson “came to the conclusion over that weekend that putting his team up for sale was what he wanted to do. We found out about it shortly before the announcement came out.” Lockhart said the NFL will hire an outside council to conduct the Richardson investigation. Theleague didn’t know about the allegations against Richardsonuntil Friday, the same day the Panthers put out a stunning news release first announcing its own investigation of Richardson’s allegedworkplace misconduct.

Elsewhere

The NFL has told its officials not to use index cards or anyother paper to aid in measurements. In the CowboysRaiders game Sunday night, veteran referee Gene Steratore tried to slide what appeared to be an index card between the tip of the ball and the end of the chain while measuring for a first down. When the card didn’t slide through, Steratore signaled a first down for Dallas. He said he had decided it was a first down before the odd measurement.