AP source: Union fires consultant who evaluated Tagovailoa

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By ROB MAADDI

The NFL Players Association has fired the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant who evaluated Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after he stumbled off the field against Buffalo last weekend, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Saturday.

The person who confirmed the firing, which was first reported by Pro Football Talk, spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because a joint review by the NFL and its players’ union into Tagovailoa’s quick return to Sunday’s game is ongoing.

There are three unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants (UNC) at each game. They are jointly paid by the league and the players’ union to work with team physicians to diagnose concussions. The NFLPA is exercising its right to terminate the UNC directly involved in the decision to clear Tagovailoa, who sustained a concussion following a frightening hit just four days later at Cincinnati on Thursday night.

Tagovailoa initially seemed to exhibit concussion symptoms after the hit to his head during the home game against Buffalo, but he was cleared by a team physician and UNC to return. He and the team later explained his legs were wobbly because of a back injury.



Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is examined during the first half of the team's NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/miami-dolphins-nfl-sports-football-tua-tagovailoa-7f57c26d250a50a23e93209cd2cb798b

[Orrex]

1. "We wouldn't have cleared him to play if we didn't think we could get away with it."

First rule of business: find someone to blame.

[The Jungle 1]

2. The rules must change.

The quarterback is in the pocket looking down the field. They don't even see the hit coming.
The other really dangerous play is the kickoff.

[milestogo]

3. He did what the league wanted him to.

But then there was backlash.

[Farmer-Rick]

4. The Union pays half his salary

But the neurotrauma consultant seems to think he only works for the league.

But the team physician also had input on that decision. I wonder what will happen to him?

We as a country are finding out that getting a job in healthcare because you are motivated by wealth and riches does not make for the best doctors or the best medical decisions.

Give me a doctor who is doing it for the love of medicine or helping people over making money anytime. This why the theory of free markets in healthcare creates worsening healthcare outcomes.

[olegramps]

5. Why aren't those responsible not named in the article?

In regard to potential injuries, I was very concerned about the dramatic difference in size of the young kids playing. Kids mature at different rates, and this is not taken into account on kid's teams. Only age is considered, and weight and maturity are not taken into account. I have seen where it could twenty or more pounds and six inches or even more in height and weight. On one team my grandson played on one kid weighed in at 136 pounds as compared to the smallest kid at 83 pounds. I wonder just how many kids walked away with injuries that could affect them later. Some kids don't complain thinking they would not be considered tough enough by their peers.

[Farmer-Rick]

6. The "source" for the report wants to remain anonymous

"The person who confirmed the firing, which was first reported by Pro Football Talk, spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because a joint review by the NFL and its players’ union into Tagovailoa’s quick return to Sunday’s game is ongoing.

There are three unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants (UNC) at each game. They are jointly paid by the league and the players’ union to work with team physicians to diagnose concussions."

My son was great at any sport he took up. But we never let him play football. It was just too dangerous. Even back in 1995 we knew about brain damage to players.

[olegramps]

7. Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.