Outrage over NFL's concussion protocols after Tua's injury: Life is bigger than football

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had to be stretched off on Thursday night after suffering a head injury during his team's match against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Dolphins announced on social media that Tagovailoa was taken to a local hospital, with coach Mike McDaniel informing the media that his player entered a concussion protocol.

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel on Tua Tagovailoa's injury

"It was a scary moment," McDaniel said.

"He was evaluated for a concussion and he's in the concussion protocol. He was at the hospital. I believe he's about to get discharged."

Two games in a row with head injuries for Tua Tagovailoa

Back on Sunday, the NFL Players Association released a statement to inform that they would be launching an investigation into the Dolphins for their handling of Tagovailoa's concussion evaluation after their previous game against the Buffalo Bills.

The Dolphins faced the Bills on Sunday, when Tagovailoa was allowed to return to the game despite experiencing a hard hit before the break.

Following the hit, McDaniel said that Tagovailoa picked up a back injury rather than a head knock, as the latter could have forced him to enter to concussion protocols and miss the remainder of the game.

Reactions following Tagovailoa's injury

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III was frustrated after Tagovailoa was taken to hospital to be evaluated for a concussion.

"The bottom line regarding Tua is LIFE is bigger than football," former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III said.

"Teams should always put the person before the player. Health before competitive advantage. Putting Tua out there isn't just a player safety issue. It's a quality of life issue."

Meanwhile, NFL Hall of Famer and current Fox Sports commentator Shannon Sharpe stressed that Tagovailoa shouldn't have been allowed to participate in Thursday's game.

"That's a serious injury," he said in another.

"Tua shouldn't have been out there with Sunday Thursday turnaround. Sometimes players need protecting from themselves. Dolphins failed Tua."

Adblock test (Why?)