NFL Reportedly Will Impose Punishments for Future Violations of Medical Protocol

The NFL is reportedly planning to dole out punishments for future violations of medical protocol involving the removal of players from games when they are potentially injured.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Wednesday that any violations of the protocol could result in fines or suspensions. Rapoport also noted the new punishment system covers everybody involved in the process, including players, coaches and ATC spotters.   

The NFLPA said it has not been informed of such plans and looks forward to seeing the details, per Jim Trotter of ESPN.

The new penalties come in the wake of a situation where St. Louis Rams quarterback Case Keenum was not removed to go through the concussion protocol during the fourth quarter of a contest against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 22.

After the Keenum situation, which saw the quarterback land on the back of his head while being tackled, the NFL and NFL Players Association began looking into the issue, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post explained the changes to medical protocol the league put in place during the offseason. These regulations included checking for concussions when players complain of neck pain and allowing ATC spotters to stop the action to remove a player if necessary.

Previously, there was no disciplinary standard for teams' lack of enforcement, though. The new reported punishments will address that.

Ultimately, the Keenum incident showed the overall process was still flawed. By making it clear those who don't follow the guidelines could be penalized, it puts a greater onus on coaches, spotters and the medical staff to act responsibly.

It's unclear whether the new punishments will be at the league's disposal starting in Week 15.