The National Football League (NFL) and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have announced that the New York Giants, head coach Brian Daboll, and running back Cam Skattebo will face significant fines for breaching the league’s concussion protocol during the team’s Week 6 match against the Philadelphia Eagles. The incident unfolded when quarterback Jaxson Dart was taken to the medical tent for a concussion evaluation, though Daboll and Skattebo entered the tent to check on the rookie quarterback, contravening the league’s rules. As a result, the Giants were fined $200,000, Daboll received $100,000, and Skattebo was fined $15,000.
The NFL and NFLPA emphasized in their joint statement that the coaching staff and player’s actions were inconsistent with the protocol’s requirements, resulting in the penalties. The statement clarified that Daboll and Skattebo did not influence the medical care for Dart, and the Giants had already taken immediate steps to rectify the situation. This is not the first time the team has faced scrutiny; their recent game against the Denver Broncos saw an unexpected fourth-quarter collapse, where they allowed 33 points in the final frame and missed two extra points, resulting in a loss. This loss dropped the Giants to 2-5 on the season and 2-2 in games where Dart started. The team will look to bounce back and avoid further penalties during their upcoming game against the Eagles on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
The fines come amid broader discussions within the NFL about player safety and the enforcement of protocols designed to protect athletes from concussions. As the league continues to prioritize player well-being, incidents like this serve as reminders of the importance of strict adherence to medical guidelines, both for the health of players and the integrity of the game.