NFL sends memo on concussion protocol after Brian Daboll medical tent controversy

The NFL has sent out a reminder regarding the league’s concussion protocol requirements following the actions of Brian Daboll.

The Giants head coach had to apologize for his behavior during the team’s 34-17 Thursday Night Football victory over the Eagles at MetLife Stadium.

As quarterback Jaxson Dart was being evaluated for a concussion, Daboll could be seen yelling at team doctor Dr. Scott Rodeo and staring at his head in the blue medical tent.

“The concussion protocol explicitly requires that ‘only medical personnel deemed essential to the care of the athlete may be present for evaluation in the tent and/or locker room. This includes the team physician most qualified to evaluate a concussion, the club (assistant coach), and sideline personnel (unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant),'” the memo, obtained, reads by Pro Football Talk. “No other people are allowed in the tent or locker room during an evaluation. This includes coaches, front office staff and/or other players. Clubs are responsible for ensuring this requirement is met.”

Daboll said he wanted to know how long the evaluation would take as a fourth-down decision loomed.

The NFL launched a review of the incident Friday, which will be conducted jointly with the Players Association to determine whether the Giants and Daboll adhered to concussion protocol in allowing Dart to return to the field.

Teams can be fined up to $150,000 for the first violation of the protocol.

“If a Club employee or other member of the Club medical staff knowingly and materially fails to comply with any required step on the Game Day Checklist, the Club and individual violating the protocol will be subject to disciplinary action set forth in the CBA,” the memo continued. “Additionally, a club employee or other member of the club’s medical personnel knowingly, willfully and materially interfering with or preventing a concussion examination will constitute a violation of the NFL Game Day Checklist for Concussions and will subject the club to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may include reprimand, remedial training, fines and/or loss of choice in the draft if it is determined that competitive considerations motivated the club’s failure to comply with the protocol. “

Daboll said he apologized to Rodeo.

Giants co-owner and team president John Mara, who serves on the NFL’s health and safety committee, said he addressed the incident with his coach.

“I spoke to Coach Daboll this morning about approaching the medical tent last night,” Mara said in a statement. “While I firmly believe, as he stated, that he was not trying to influence the process in any way, he understands that the appearance of going to the tent is inappropriate. We have protocols in place as a league to ensure player safety, and we must allow our medical staff to execute those protocols without interference. We understand that the situation is under review by the NFL and the NFLPA, and we will obviously cooperate fully. ”