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A leading neuroscientist has hit out at the new NFL protocol, saying that it still does not go far enough and would be dangerous for youths, if it was applied to that age group.
Chris Nowinski, who founded the Concussion Foundation and has written Head Games: Football's Concussion Crisis From the NFL to Youth Leagues, told Newsweek that he fears that players could be in danger from long-term damage as the protocol doesn't go far enough to ensure all outcomes are covered.
The NFL and the NFLPA announced that a specific change to the protocol in which a diagnosis of ataxia has been added to the mandatory "no-go" symptoms that determine whether or not a player re-enters a game.
In a statement released before this past weekend's games, the NFL said: "As such, as has been done in previous cases, based on the advice of the parties' respective medical experts, the Protocol will be modified to enhance the safety of the players.
"Specifically, the term 'ataxia' has been added to the mandatory 'no-go' symptoms. 'Ataxia' is defined as abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological issue.
"In other words, if a player is diagnosed with 'ataxia' by any club or neutral physician involved in the application of the Concussion Protocol, he will be prohibited from returning to the game, and will receive the follow-up care required by the Protocol."
Nowinski has said that this is all well and good but it still doesn't protect players as much is required, especially as head injuries are looking likely to become this season's big issue.
Speaking to Newsweek, Nowinski said: "I don't think the new protocol is a substantial change from the protocol that failed Tua Tagovailoa.
"While the word ataxia was added as a no-go, it still relies on the judgment of the physician to determine that signs of ataxia were indeed due to a neurological injury and not an orthopedic injury. That is where the mistake was made for Tua, and that gap remains."
Nowinski continued to say that he believes that the protocol is "risky" especially as it is still open to interpretation by those making the call.
He added: "While it makes sense on paper to put the final call in the hands of the physician, the public needs to know that the protocol remains a risky one, and it should not be used as a model for children.
"The players know that if they are held out by the protocol when they are healthy, they could lose their job. So they are willing to risk their lives with a protocol that we know will put some NFL players back in the game when they have a concussion.
"We still need someone to say that Tua definitely had a concussion on September 25.
"The NFL and NFLPA can't say it directly, I assume for legal reasons, but the public needs to know that there is no doubt, based on the signs he showed, Tua had a concussion on September 25."
Nowinski added that the protocol could be dangerous for children playing in the youth leagues and those playing in minor leagues.
He concluded, using the moment that Tagovailoa was seen in distress on the field after hitting his head on the ground: "That is what concussions look like, and if you see it in a child or high school athlete, they should never return to the game."
Miami Dolphins started quarterback Teddy Bridgewater against the New York Jets after Tagavailova was ruled out of Week 5, but Bridgewater didn't last long before he was sidelined due to the new concussion protocols.
Across the NFL, there were also a couple more players that had to leave the game during Week 5 due to concussion and will be ruled out of the upcoming weekend's games.
