Panthers Possibly Violated NFL Concussion Protocol with Cam Newton

The Carolina Panthers medical staff failed to evaluate Cam Newton after a hit to the head laid him out late in the Super Bowl rematch. Did the defending NFC champions violate the NFL concussion protocol, or is someone else to blame?

As the clock ran down in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl 50 rematch between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers, MVP quarterback Cam Newton was hit by Bronco Darian Stewart in the head.

The play was a clear helmet-to-helmet hit, and left Newton on the ground, motionless.

As stated in the new concussion protocol implemented by the NFL and the Players Association, Cam Newton should have been removed from the game by either the Panthers or the refs to be evaluated for a head injury.

Instead, he remained in the game and finished a drive to set the Panthers up for a field goal.

Kicker Graham Gano missed the 50 yard attempt, leading to a 21-20 Broncos win.

In addition to the hit late in the fourth quarter, Newton was hit three additional times where the NFL concussion protocol should have been implemented.

This paragraph from the NFL concussion protocol could be the nail in the coffin:

In the event that the Commissioner determines that the club’s medical team failed to follow the protocol due to competitive considerations, the Commissioner may require the club to forfeit draft pick(s) and impose additional fines exceeding those amounts set forth above.”

Considering the Panthers were driving down the field and down by just one point, the competitive consideration line is key.

Should the league find Carolina responsible for not implementing the concussion policy, the team could face heavy fines and the loss of draft picks.

• A first violation will require the club employees or medical team members involved to attend remedial education; and/or result in a maximum fine of $150,000 against the club.
• Second and subsequent violations of the concussion protocol will result in a minimum fine of $100,000 against the club.
• In the event the parties agree that a violation involved aggravating circumstances, the club shall be subject, in the first instance, to a fine no less than $50,000. The Commissioner shall determine appropriate discipline for subsequent violations involving aggravating circumstances.

On the other hand, the referees and league officials designated to spot possible concussed players failed to perform their duties. The play was a blatant helmet-to-helmet hit, which resulted in a roughing the passer penalty against Denver. While the penalty was offset by Newton being charged with intentional grounding, either a ref or spotter should have pulled Cam off the field to be evaluated.

Next: Broncos Beat Panthers: Five Things We Learned

In a high-profile game, the NFL does not want the issue of concussions to dominate the headlines of the opening weekend. Additionally, they don’t want to admit their referees or spotters missed one of the biggest implementations to the concussion protocol this season.