Concussions have always been an issue during any football game, but with three separate players dropping to the ground, fans bring back the most daunting question the NFL continues to face each season: when is enough enough?
A hush fell over the Steeler crowd during the third quarter when the Baltimore Ravens safety, Earl Thomas II, made contact with the beloved Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. While lying flat on his back, Rudolph’s teammates stood in awe as the medical team surrounds the unconscious quarterback. After some time, Rudolph was talking with the medical team and his teammates while still laying down as the medical cart was brought to the field. Fans applauded the injured player when he got to his feet and walked off the field himself. Was that the correct move after a hit like that to the head? Turns out the medical cart that was supposed to take Rudolph into the tunnel to go through the concussion protocol was broken. In a New York Times article, Benjamin Hoffman wrote, “Even his departure made the NFL look bad, as Rudolph’s awkward staggering to the sideline was necessitated by the injury car breaking down on the field.” Taking a big hit, the league has a lot to digest after many are looking at the league for what the next move will be in the concussion aspect of the game.
The hit that left Mason Rudolph unconscious on the field was never flagged or penalized during the game. Earl Thomas II was eventually fined $21,000 after the game for the helmet to helmet hit, but does that fine really have any meaning? In an ESPN article written by Jamison Hensley, he wrote, “Thomas said he plans to appeal the fine.” How can there be any consequences for actions like these hits if the fines are going to be refuted. If the NFL truly does care about the well-being of the players, there needs to be a better protocol that cannot be adjusted or tampered with by those who are fined. On the Official NFL website under the Fines and Appeals tab, it is written, “The NFL uses the fine schedule to outline the league’s and the union’s expectations for players to conduct themselves in a way that honors the sport and respects the game, their fellow players, the fans and the league.” By appealing any fine that is sent to a player, that does not honor the sport or respect to their fellow players. The fines are made due to a player breaking a rule that has been set by the league and if they are able to appeal their fine, they do not receive a consequence for what they did wrong.
If the N.F.L. wants to stop facing the issues concussions continue to bring to their plate, actions need to be taken. While football is a very contact heavy sport, teams can take the time during offseason practices to focus on how to hit without affecting the head too much. There are accidents and there may still be hits that cause injury but that is where the NFL can put their foot down and enforce a full fine without an appeal toward the player who made the hit or enforce a suspension. By having consequences for these harsh actions, it can give players more of a reason to not make these brutal hits. Missing a game or taking a chunk out of their paycheck can hurt a player after some time.
On the same Fines and Appeals webpage on the Official NFL website, it is stated, “The rules are intended to protect the players from unnecessary risk, promote player safety and emphasize sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and fans.” While enforcing this statement into game play can affect the way the NFL is played in future seasons, it can also save the players and keep the fan favorites around for longer contracts. Too many hits can take the NFL out altogether; it is up to the league to take action and save the uniquely American sport.
