NFL, NFLPA say Cam Newton concussion assessment was slowed by ‘technology glitch’

The NFL and NFLPA released a joint statement on the concussion protocol for Cam Newton in Sept. 8’s season opener against Denver, and it sounds like some things didn’t go as planned.

According to the statement, the Panthers team doctors and on-site neurological trauma consultant were unable to see the point of contact on Newton live. When they went to the tape, the injury spotters in the booth tasked with relaying video of the incident experienced a technology group, which meant the tape was not delivered as quickly as it normally would have been.

Ultimately, both the Panthers’ doctors and the unaffiliated NFL doctor determined, after viewing the replay and observing Newton, that he did not require further concussion evaluation.

The NFL took a lot of heat for the handling of that incident, and several other hits in that game. Ultimately, it sounds like some things did not go perfectly in the moment for the NFL.