NFL: Packers not at fault for Bakhtiari taking field with concussion
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- David Bakhtiari played one snap with a concussion during the Green Bay Packers' playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, violating the NFL's policy.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Bakhtiari was one of two players participating in wild-card weekend who suffered a concussion and violated the league rule on proper procedure afterward. In Bakhtiari's case, he went on the field for an extra-point attempt after team doctors examined him -- and did not clear him -- for a concussion.
Bakhtiari was later taken to the locker room and did not return. The Packers were not found to be at fault in the matter. Neither Bakhtiari nor the organization will be fined for the violation.
"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," Drs. Hunt Batjer and Richard Ellenbogen wrote in a letter to all NFL team doctors and trainers that was obtained by AP. "In one case, the player (Bakhtiari) went back onto the field for one play before being removed from the game.
"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."
"But (the rule) 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," the letter added.
Bakhtiari was not available to the media Monday when Packers players cleaned out their lockers. However, he was spotted courtside Tuesday during the Milwaukee Bucks-Golden State Warriors NBA game.
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