On the same day when reports about yet another study linking football to concussions come to light, The New York Times‘ Richard Sandomir pens a story questioning Fox’s discussion of the concussion suffered by Philadelphia Eagles’ Stewart Bradley.
In the story, Sandomir points out that while commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman expressed dismay and concern after the initial hit, they didn’t follow up when he returned to the field (a decisions that has drawn criticism). The pair noted the move surprised them, but didn’t comment further.
Hey, can someone call Pam Oliver?
The sideline reporter, Pam Oliver, should have been asked to offer an on-site assessment of how Bradley looked and was moving – especially after he did not play the final series of the half. Had Bradley been removed as part of a defensive strategy – or for medical reasons? Aikman said he noticed that Bradley was not playing the final series but was uncertain why he did not mention it.
With the NFL focusing on head injuries, “significance should be attached to a player who wobbles, totters and collapses, needs medical attention, then gets the green light to play within minutes.” Hear hear.