The New York Giants, head coach Brian Daboll and running back Cam Skattebo have been fined a total of $315,000 for violating the NFL’s concussion protocol during an evaluation of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The incident occurred during the team’s 9 October match against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Dart was sacked midway through the third quarter and remained on the turf clutching his helmet before being escorted to the blue sideline medical tent for a concussion assessment.
According to the league’s review, Daboll approached the tent during the evaluation and briefly stuck his head inside, while Skattebo also entered before the examination was complete. Both actions breached the protocol, which permits only essential medical personnel to be present during a player’s evaluation.
The joint NFL–NFLPA statement said their presence “created the perception that they were interfering with Dart’s exam”, although no evidence was found that either affected the medical care he received. The Giants were fined $200,000, Daboll $100,000 and Skattebo $15,000 for conduct detrimental to the league.
League officials noted that the Giants’ medical staff otherwise “properly followed all steps required” by the concussion policy. The organisation has since implemented remedial measures, including additional staff training and new procedures to restrict access to the medical tent. Dart returned to finish the game, a surprise 34-17 win for New York, and later cleared the return-to-play process.
