Concussions, Retired Players Among Topics At NFL Meeting

Goodell Unveils New Concussion Measures For NFL Teams

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday at the league’s spring business meeting in Nashville reviewed with teams the consensus medical recommendations on the management of concussions from the NFL’s independent committee on mild-traumatic brain injury (MTBI). The new standards include the following elements: Medical decisions must override competitive considerations; neuropsychological baseline testing will be required for all players beginning this season; an NFL MTBI conference will be held June 19 in Chicago for all team physicians and trainers; the MTBI committee will continue to operate as an independent group; evaluation procedures will be shared among all team staffs; a brochure will be created to educate players and their families on concussions; the league will enforce the rule that chin straps must be completely buckled; and the creation of a whistle blower system for anonymous reports of players with concussions being pressured to play (NFL).

MEDICAL SUPPORT: Goodell also announced the NFL, NFLPA, NFL Retired Players Association, NFL Alumni Association, NFL Charities and the Pro Football HOF will work together to coordinate medical support services for former players in need of medical care. NFL Exec VP/Labor Relations Harold Henderson will serve as the lead exec in the new initiative. The ideas being discussed include: Better identification of players who need assistance and making the system more efficient so that help can be delivered to these players; and arrangements with facilities in different areas of the country where former players can obtain high-quality care at reasonable costs. The distribution of funds for medical needs will be managed by reps of the participating groups (NFL).

OTHER TOPICS: The league will also promote season-long team captains on offense, defense and special teams through a team captain leadership initiative. Ideas being discussed include: Captain identification on game uniforms; an annual meeting with Goodell to discuss player issues; community service led by the captains; and team and league recognition initiatives (NFL). Goodell also discussed with owners the possibility of shortening the time between draft picks and moving the start of the draft from Saturday afternoon to Friday night. Goodell said that a “final decision on any changes would not take place until the fall” (N.Y. TIMES, 5/23).

NFL Commissioner Addresses Portis’ Dog-Fighting Comments

DOG DAYS: Goodell said he was “very concerned about the issues revolving around” Falcons QB Michael Vick but was not prepared to make a decision about possible disciplinary action. In DC, Mark Maske reports Goodell “condemned comments by [Redskins RB] Clinton Portis in support of Vick.” Portis said if Vick is convicted of dogfighting, “then you’re putting him behind bars for no reason.” Goodell said in a statement, “I’m extremely disappointed and embarrassed for Clinton Portis. This does not reflect the sentiments of the Redskins, the NFL or NFL players.” A league official said that disciplinary measures against Portis “were not under consideration” (WASHINGTON POST, 5/23). Portis yesterday said, “What I was saying there’s bigger issues in the world and in life than what Michael Vick is doing on his own property. ... I wasn’t condoning dog fighting” (“NFL Total Access,” NFL Network, 5/22). Meanwhile, Goodell said that he has “no timetable to decide” on Titans CB Pacman Jones’ appeal of his season-long suspension and “didn’t seem concerned about the potential for a lawsuit from Jones.” Goodell said Jones and his attorney “have the right to pursue it in federal court. If they choose to do that, that is their prerogative. I’m worried about the [NFL]” (Nashville TENNESEAN, 5/23).