NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills said that a surge in NFL concussion numbers has "sparked 'a call to action' among league officials responsible for brain health," according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. Speaking at the start of a Head, Neck and Spine committee meeting in Indianapolis, Sills "made clear that the league will react aggressively" to data that showed a 16% rise in concussions in '17. There were a "total of 291 diagnosed concussions" in '17 -- including preseason, regular season and postseason games -- compared to 250 in '16. Sills: "It's not OK. to simply stand behind that and say, 'Well, the numbers are going up because we're doing a better job.'" Seifert noted Tuesday's meeting was the "start of a process that will follow three specific paths to reduce concussions: Increasing the use of what the NFL considers safer helmets; Decreasing preseason concussions by pointing out warning signs to individual teams; Work with football operations on style of play" (ESPN.com, 2/28). ESPN’s Louis Riddick warned observers not to be “too alarmed” over the rise in reported concussions because players may be “self-reporting” more. Riddick: “The NFL has done a good job of educating players about the dangers of concussions and the dangers of playing football recklessly. ... There is some risk that is going to be inherent as far as head trauma in the NFL that we are just not going to be able to get away with. But I think the league is doing its due diligence and doing the right thing in terms trying to protect the players” ("OTL," ESPN, 2/28).
ROONEY RULE SOLUTION? THE UNDEFEATED's Jason Reid cited a source as saying that amid "growing concern" about the future of the Rooney Rule, NFL officials and the Fritz Pollard Alliance are "planning to meet this week during the NFL scouting combine." The Alliance, after "breaking with the league in January" over the Raiders’ handling of their coach opening, is "eager to discuss proposals to strengthen the rule." The Rooney Rule has been in place since '03 for head coaches and expanded in '09 to include GM jobs and "equivalent front-office positions." Sources said that at stake at the meeting is "whether the rule can still be an effective tool to increase inclusion in hiring" (THEUNDEFEATED.com, 2/28).
