NFL Concussion Protocol Violations: Giants Fined $315K
The NFL concussion protocol violations have led to major fines for the New York Giants and several team members. The National Football League fined the Giants after they broke concussion rules during their October 9 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.
The Giants received a $200,000 fine, head coach Brian Daboll paid $100,000, and running back Cam Skattebo faced a $15,000 fine for conduct harmful to the league.
What Sparked the NFL Investigation
During the third quarter, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart took a sack and showed possible concussion symptoms. Following standard procedure, team doctors and an independent neurotrauma consultant evaluated him inside the blue sideline tent.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMk7M9mZfJQ
However, Coach Daboll looked into the tent, and Cam Skattebo entered before the exam ended. Their actions broke the concussion policy, which limits access to medical staff only.
NFL and NFLPA Findings
The NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) reviewed the situation. They found no evidence that Daboll or Skattebo affected the exam, but their actions “created the perception of interference.”
The review stated that while the Giants’ medical team followed proper medical steps, unauthorized presence during the evaluation violated league rules.
Giants’ Response and Corrective Measures
The Giants quickly introduced steps to prevent future protocol issues:
- Extra training for coaches and medical staff.
- Refresher sessions for players.
- Stricter rules for who can enter medical tents.
The NFL considered these actions when finalizing the penalties.
League’s Focus on Player Safety
The NFL concussion protocol violations highlight the league’s strict stance on player safety. In recent years, the NFL has tightened rules after high-profile head injuries, including the 2024 incident involving Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins.
This case shows that even small breaches can lead to major fines and scrutiny.
Jaxson Dart’s Recovery
Jaxson Dart passed all post-game evaluations and cleared the return-to-play protocol. He later led the Giants to a 34–17 victory over the Eagles, turning the controversy into a strong comeback story.
Key Takeaway
The NFL made it clear: any NFL concussion protocol violations, real or perceived, will lead to serious consequences. Every team must follow safety rules precisely to protect players and preserve the league’s integrity.
