NFL says players can’t practice or play with unapproved helmets

While Raiders receiver Antonio Brown fights to use his old helmet, the NFL reiterated its stance that players aren’t allowed to practice or play with unapproved equipment. Spokesman Brian McCarthy released a statement without mentioning Brown by name that said players can only use helmets certified by experts to be safe. “The player can’t practice or play in games with equipment that’s not approved,” he wrote. “If he doesn’t play or practice he is in breach of his contract and doesn’t get paid. NFL policy is that helmets have to be certified by NOSCAE.”

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment sets performance and test standards for equipment. Brown’s Schutt helmet is no longer allowed because the NFL follows the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association (NAERA) rule that helmets 10 years or older cannot be recertified. Schutt discontinued making the helmet three years ago because current technology had moved past it, according to the company.

Brown was one of 32 players using helmets last season that are now banned. Those players, including Tom Brady, were able to use the helmets last season under a grace period but were required to make the change in 2019.

Brown hasn’t participated in a full practice after starting training camp on the non-football injury list with injuries to his feet. He was cleared to practice July 28 and participated in part of two sessions but wasn’t around the team last week when he had a grievance hearing with the NFL over his helmet.