The National Football League (NFL) has cracked down on the New York Giants organization for violating concussion protocols during an in-game evaluation, imposing substantial fines on the team, head coach Brian Daboll, and rookie running back Cam Skattebo.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
The Concussion Controversy: Inside the NFL’s Probe
The incident in question occurred on October 9, 2025, during a game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Jaxson Dart sustained a hit that prompted concerns of a potential concussion, leading to an evaluation within the medical tent on the sidelines. However, TV cameras captured Giants head coach Brian Daboll and rookie running back Cam Skattebo poking their heads into the tent during the assessment, a clear violation of the league’s concussion protocol. ‘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,’ the league and the NFLPA said in a joint statement. “AP News“
Heads in the Tent: Coaches Breach Protocol
The NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) jointly reviewed reports, video footage, and conducted interviews with the Giants’ medical staff, independent medical providers, coaches, and players. Their investigation concluded that while the medical personnel followed the proper concussion protocol steps as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Daboll’s and Skattebo’s actions demonstrated a disregard for the protocol’s requirements. Daboll acknowledged his impatience, stating he just wanted Dart back on the field ‘if he was OK.’ Skattebo, on the other hand, joked about ‘making sure that Jaxson wasn’t hurting anybody in the injury tent.’
Dart’s Frustration: Delays and Disruptions
Dart, the Giants’ rookie quarterback, expressed frustration with the interruptions during his evaluation. ‘It felt so long. A few guys popped in. I was just trying to get back there on the field. I understand they have protocol and whatnot. I was just trying to get out there fast,’ he said. This incident marked at least the third time, including preseason games, that Dart had missed playing time due to a concussion evaluation. The NFL had previously initiated a review of the concussion protocol used in Dart’s evaluation during the same game, highlighting the league’s commitment to player safety.
Fines and Fallout: League Cracks Down
In response to the violation, the NFL imposed substantial fines on the Giants organization, Daboll, and Skattebo. The Giants were fined $200,000, while Daboll received a $100,000 fine, and Skattebo was fined $15,000. The league and the NFLPA noted that while the Giants took immediate steps to prevent similar violations in the future, the conduct of Daboll and Skattebo could not go unpunished. Giants owner John Mara acknowledged that while he believes Daboll was not trying to influence the process, the appearance of entering the tent was inappropriate.
Lessons Learned: Protecting Player Safety
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the league’s concussion protocols, which are designed to prioritize player safety. Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, reiterated the strict rules surrounding who can be present during a concussion evaluation, emphasizing that coaches, players, and other personnel are strictly prohibited from entering the medical tent. As the league continues to prioritize player health and safety, incidents like this underscore the need for strict adherence to established protocols, even in the heat of competition.
Internet Reactions to the Giants’ Concussion Protocol Breach
The NFL’s crackdown on the New York Giants for violating concussion protocols has sparked discussions among fans online. While the league and the NFLPA agreed that the actions of Head Coach Brian Daboll and rookie Cam Skattebo did not impact the medical evaluation of quarterback Jaxson Dart, their conduct was seen as a clear disregard for the established protocols. [QUOTE_START]’You’re crazy if you think Skattebo isn’t chronically concussed,'[QUOTE_END] said one commenter, highlighting concerns about Skattebo’s history with head injuries. Another user drew a parallel, noting that [QUOTE_START]’it’s like your manager walking into a doctors office to visit you being examined, under the guise of “hey just want to say I hope you’re healthy but we really need you back at work but also no rush get better”‘[QUOTE_END], emphasizing the inappropriate nature of the coach’s and player’s actions. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strictly adhering to concussion protocols, even in the heat of competition, to prioritize player safety.