NFLPA executive blasts NFL for Steelers medical cart error

The NFL was left embarrassed when the medical cart didn’t work in Sunday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, and the criticism is beginning to mount.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the cart failed because of “operator error,” rendering it unable to carry Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph off the field after he suffered a concussion.

Stadium source: The medical cart that would have transported Mason Rudolph from the field failed because of operator error, not because it broke down. The NFL has already called to investigate. Plus, according to source, Rudolph wanted to walk off the field, not be carted.

— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) October 6, 2019

In response, NFLPA assistant executive director George Atallah dubbed the situation “embarrassing” and questioned why the league should ever be put in such a situation given their extensive revenues.

Embarrassing. I guess $15 billion a year can’t buy you a working medical cart. https://t.co/vO9RVnpwsX

— George Atallah (@GeorgeAtallah) October 6, 2019

Atallah is saying what a lot of people are probably thinking. Rudolph didn’t look in any condition to walk off the field, even with assistance, and really needed the cart. The fact that it wasn’t available is a pretty embarrassing story for the league, even if it doesn’t appear to have been the fault of anyone but the operator.