Researchers published their findings in a study titled “Protecting and Promoting the Health of NFL Players: Legal and Ethical Analysis and Recommendations.”
Here are five takeaways:
1. The researchers give 76 recommendations, including advising the NFL and NFL Players Association to refrain from using health issues during collective bargaining negotiations.
2. The study also recommends the associations to put players with diagnosed concussions on a short-term injured reserve list that does not count against the team’s active roster.
3. The study proposed a recommendation advocating for team physicians to have separate roles either as “Players’ Medical Staff” (with exclusive loyalty to the player) or the “Club Evaluation Doctor” (with exclusive loyalty to the club).
4. Following the study’s release, the NFL issued a 33-page response that argued NFL physicians do not have a conflict of interest. Jeffrey Miller, the NFL’s executive vice president of health and safety, referred to the study’s proposed changes as “untenable and impractical.”
5. NFL Players Association funded the research. Harvard Law School said the research was independent of NFL or player influence.
More articles on sports medicine:
Northwestern Medicine buys rights to Kane County Cougars stadium: 3 things to know
AMA makes ‘urgent’ call for more research on CTE: 4 key notes
Dr. Luga Podesta named a ‘Leading Physician of the World’ — 5 key notes
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
