NFL to review whether concussion protocol followed correctly with Newton
The NFL and the NFL Players Association will investigate whether concussion protocol was following correctly for Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the season-opening game Thursday.
The NFL emphasized that the review doesn't mean any evidence of wrongdoing has been found in a statement released Sunday.
The NFL is committed to the proper application of the Concussion Protocol. In order to ensure that it is being uniformly applied across all 32 NFL teams, we have decided to initiate a review of the medical team’s response to the Cam Newton tackle, under the procedure set forth by the collective bargaining agreement. Under that procedure, representatives from the league and the players association will review the relevant documents and video and interview the involved parties to ensure that the Protocol was applied properly. It is important to note that initiation of this process does not mean that we have seen any evidence that the Protocol was applied improperly, but simply reflects our obligation to ensure the health and safety of our players.
The NFLPA will initiate a compliance investigation into the Cam Newton incident from Thursday night's game.
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) September 11, 2016
The handling of the hit Newton took from safety Darian Stewart - which can be seen below - is the main point of contention between the NFL and NFLPA, reports Albert Breer of MMQB.com.
A source told Mark Maske of the Washington Post that the NFLPA believes the concussion testing protocol was not properly followed for Newton, and that the NFL's declaration on Friday that the procedure had been followed correctly was premature.
Newton was subject to several helmet-to-helmet hits in the 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos, with the NFL reportedly admitting one by linebacker Brandon Marshall should've resulted in a penalty.