NFL and NFLPA take steps to enforce concussion protocol

The NFL and NFL Players Assn. announced an agreement Monday to enforce the league’s game-day concussion protocol and discipline clubs that violate it.

The new enforcement policy, which includes club fines and possible forfeiture of draft picks, adds teeth to a concussion protocol already in place.

The league and union will each designate a representative to monitor the implementation of the protocol and investigate potential violations, the sides said in a joint news release. If a violation has occurred and the sides are unable to agree on disciple, the matter will be brought before a neutral arbitrator.

Potential disciplinary action for those who violate the concussion protocol includes:

-- A first violation will require the club employees or medical team members attend remedial education, and/or result in a maximum fine of $150,000 against the club.

-- Second and subsequent violations will result in a minimum fine of $100,000 against the club.

-- If the parties agree the violation involves aggravating circumstances, the club in the first instance will be subject to a fine of no less than $50,000.

-- If Commissioner Roger Goodell determines that a club’s medical team skirted concussion rules for competitive reasons, the commissioner may require the club forfeit draft picks and could impose additional fines.

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