The NFL imposed fines totaling $315,000 on the New York Giants on October 27, 2023, for breaching concussion protocols during a game two weeks prior. The league penalized the team $200,000 for allowing personnel to observe an injured player, quarterback Jaxson Dart, in the medical tent during his evaluation.
In addition to the team’s fine, head coach Brian Daboll received a $100,000 penalty, while rookie running back Cam Skattebo was fined $15,000 for speaking with Dart before his evaluation was finalized. This interaction raised concerns that they were interfering with the medical assessment.
The NFL, in collaboration with the NFL Players Association, reviewed relevant reports and video footage, along with interviews of the medical staff, independent medical providers, coaches, and players. They determined that the medical staff had adhered to all necessary concussion protocol steps as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
In a joint statement, the league and the NFLPA noted, “While the parties agreed that Coach Daboll’s and Mr. Skattebo’s actions had no actual impact on the exam or the care that Mr. Dart received, their conduct was inconsistent with and demonstrated a disregard for the concussion protocol’s requirements and therefore constituted a violation.”
Following the incident, the Giants promptly implemented measures to prevent future violations. During the Thursday night game, cameras captured Daboll peeking into the blue injury tent while Dart was being assessed for a concussion. Daboll expressed impatience regarding the duration of the evaluation, stating he wanted to ensure Dart could return to play if he was in good condition.
Daboll later acknowledged his mistake and issued an apology. Skattebo also entered the tent briefly, humorously suggesting he was “making sure that Jaxson wasn’t hurting anybody in the injury tent.”
These events highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing player safety with the pressures of competitive sports, particularly concerning head injuries and concussion protocols. The NFL continues to emphasize the importance of strict adherence to these protocols to safeguard player health and wellbeing.
