Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson issued a statement through the team Friday afternoon, retracting his previous stand that he sustained a concussion earlier in the season and also had recently suffered from nerve damage.
"I would like to clarify some of my comments from yesterday," Johnson said. "I am aware that I did not suffer a concussion in our game against the Vikings earlier this year. I misused the terms 'nerve damage' and 'concussion.'
"I have not suffered any nerve damage nor have I received any treatment for nerve damage. I did suffer a stinger and have also experienced the kind of wear and tear that most NFL players are dealing with at this point in the season."
Coach Jim Schwartz vehemently insisted all along that tests by doctors during and after the Sept. 30 game against Minnesota showed that Johnson was not concussed following a hit to the helmet by Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway.
The Lions also released a statement Friday on the issue: "With respect to the Minnesota game on Sept. 30, Calvin sustained a hit that resulted in him being removed from the game and evaluated pursuant to the appropriate concussion protocol by our team doctors. He was also subsequently examined the following day and was found to have no concussion.
"Additionally, Calvin did not suffer any nerve damage. He sustained what is referred to as a 'stinger' and was able to finish the game."
Many former players are suing the league for negligence in dealing with head injuries in the past. NFL teams are also subject to fines if they do not reveal injuries on the official injury reports.
