Giants Fined for Violating Concussion Protocol: What Happened and Why It Matters

In a recent ruling, the NFL and its Players Association handed down significant fines totaling $315,000 against the New York Giants, head coach Brian Daboll, and rookie player Cam Skattebo for actions deemed "conduct detrimental to the league." This decision stems from violations of the mandated concussion protocol during an incident involving quarterback Jaxson Dart during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 9, 2025.

The Fines: A Breakdown

• New York Giants: $200,000
• Coach Brian Daboll: $100,000
• Rookie Cam Skattebo: $15,000

The experts determined that these individuals acted in ways inconsistent with the concussion protocol, though they noted that their actions did not affect the care Dart received during his examination.

Key Findings from the Investigation

The league’s investigation revealed:

• Head Coach’s Conduct: Daboll was seen peeking into the medical tent where Dart was being assessed.
• Player Involvement: Skattebo entered the tent to communicate with Dart, who was reportedly upset about his absence from the game.
• Policy Violation: The presence of non-medical personnel during a concussion evaluation is strictly prohibited as it undermines the integrity of the process.

NFL Policy on Concussion Protocol

It’s crucial to understand the rules surrounding concussion assessments:

• Only medical personnel deemed essential for the athlete’s care can be present.
• The league aims to maintain a safe environment for players, ensuring that the evaluation process remains free from external influence.

The Perception Issue

The NFL and NFLPA jointly stated that the actions of Daboll and Skattebo "demonstrated a disregard" for the concussion protocol’s requirements. Their conduct created an optics issue, suggesting possible interference with Dart’s exam, which cannot be tolerated in a league dedicated to protecting its players’ health.

Reactions from Key Figures

• Cam Skattebo: Initially downplayed the situation, stating, "I don’t really have any comments. I’m just glad Jaxson is healthy."
• Brian Daboll: Subsequently apologized for his behavior during the game, which involved raising his voice at team physician Dr. Scott Rodeo.

Owner’s Stance

Giants’ owner John Mara, a member of the NFL’s Health and Safety Committee, expressed disappointment over the incident, supporting the idea that Daboll’s intentions were to check on Dart’s well-being rather than to rush him back to play.

Steps Taken for Future Compliance

In light of the incident, the Giants have pledged to enhance their protocols to prevent similar violations in the future. Measures include:

• Conducting additional training for staff and players regarding the proper use of the medical tent.
• Implementing stricter controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the tent during evaluations.

Additional Steps Not Specified

While the team has committed to changes, specifics on the additional measures remain unclear.

The Financial Implications for Skattebo

Rookie Cam Skattebo, whose salary is $840,000, has found his pocket impacted by the fine. He previously entered the tent to console Dart, aiming to alleviate the quarterback’s stress over missing a critical moment of the game.

For more insights regarding NFL concussion protocols, you can read about them here.

Conclusion

The fines against the New York Giants highlight the NFL’s commitment to player safety and adherence to its protocols. Incidents like this serve as reminders of the importance of strictly following concussion guidelines, as they are designed to protect athletes from long-term health risks. As the league continues to navigate these issues, the focus on compliance and player welfare will remain paramount.