Packers OT David Bakhtiari Breaks NFL Concussion Protocol

Per the NFL, two players did not follow concussion protocol in their respective Wild Card games.

Packers tackle David Bakhtiari returned to the playing field before undergoing concussion testing and being cleared to return and Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis remained on the sideline after his head injury.

A memo from the NFL Head, Nick and Spine committee was obtained by Ian Rapaport, explaining the failures to follow protocol:

On two occasions last weekend, and contrary to the advice of the team medical staffs, players who had been diagnosed with a concussion and therefore declared ineligible for play nonetheless refused to leave the sidelines as required by league concussion protocols. In one case, the player went back onto the field for one play before being removed from the game.

As you know, the "Madden Rule," requires that a player who has been diagnosed with a concussion be removed from the sidelines and taken to the locker room or another quiet location. We recognize that players may resist this step, particularly during postseason play. But it is an important element of the league's protocol and intended to safeguard the player's well-being and enhance his ability to recover from his injury.

We emphasize that we find no fault in how the team medical staffs conducted themselves last weekend. If a player refuses to follow your advice and leave the sidelines after being diagnosed with a concussion, we recommend that the Head Athletic Trainer seek assistance from the player's position coach (or another member of the coaching staff) or from another team official to remove the player from the sidelines as soon as possible.

The Packers have not been fined, nor are they expected to be.

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Comments (6)

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Al Fresco's picture

January 10, 2014 at 06:18 pm

Now we know what many suspected, he ain't veryu bright, thus a 4th round pick

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zeke's picture

January 10, 2014 at 06:52 pm

What's your excuse?

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fish and crane's picture

January 10, 2014 at 08:09 pm

+1000

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D B H's picture

January 11, 2014 at 01:30 am

Isn't there a built-in excuse for this? "I don't remember, I had a concussion."

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steven's picture

January 11, 2014 at 03:11 am

Guys he is a competitor. He wanted to be on the field!!! I actually respect him more. And your right al fresco just because he was low draft choice means he wasnt very smart... oh wait thats right we have an ivy league player who was a 4th rounder. go away troll

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al's picture

January 11, 2014 at 03:24 pm

wow maybe we play touch football wooses !!!!

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