The NFL and NFLPA, in unison, have decided to bring modifications to the league’s concussion protocol this Sunday following widely generated criticism after Tua Tagovoilo’s head trauma on the 25th of September. In accordance with the revised protocols, a player is prohibited to compete if diagnosed with “ataxia”, a disorder affecting balance and coordination.
While reviewing their findings on Tua’s injury, NFL and NFLPA both admitted, “Outcome in this case is not what was intended when the protocols were drafted” and thus specific amendments were necessary to upgrade player’s safety.
The collaborative statement circulated that “ataxia”, a medical condition defined as “abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological issue,” was included among the mandatory ‘no-go’ symptoms.
Here is the updated concussion protocol checklist. Notice ataxia added on the right side under "no-go" pic.twitter.com/LcuFb4SLmt
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) October 8, 2022
Tua Tagovailoa was evaluated for a concussion and listed as questionable by the Dolphins after the game against the Buffalo Bills on September 25th. After the game, the 24-year old explained to reporters that he had stumbled due to a back ailment but not a head injury and that he had been checked thoroughly for a concussion but was given the all-clear.
A few days later, on the 29th of September, Cincinnati Bengals DT Josh Tupou accidentally hit Tagovailoa to the ground during a prime-time game, resulting in the Dolphins’ QB leaving the field on a stretcher.
The NFL’s CMO, Dr. Allen Sills, stated during a press conference that had Tagovailoa been diagnosed with ataxia on September 25, he would have been removed from the match against the Buffalo Bills, resembling the altered concussion protocol.
