The NFL fined Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams $50,000 this week for “verbal remarks” and “inappropriate physical contact” with an independent concussion doctor during Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, CBS Sports and the Seattle Times reported.
The league sent Adams a letter saying he “interfered with orderly administration of the game when the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant (UNC) was walking with Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo to the blue medical tent for evaluation of a concussion,” according to CBS Sports.
Bobo had caught a 20-yard pass in the third quarter and was hit hard by Bengals safety Dax Hill, resulting in a penalty. Bobo was evaluated and returned to the game.
The media reports said league sources indicated that Adams’ previous incident with a concussion doctor during an Oct. 2 game against the New York Giants was not a factor in the fine.
Adams sustained a concussion in that contest, his first game back since Sept. 12, 2022, when he tore his quad and was lost for that season. Appearing frustrated about being removed, he shouted at the red hat, whose sole job is to identify possible concussion injuries and get those players out of the game. Final decisions are made by the team doctors and trainers.
But after looking at video of Adams’ interaction with the doctor, as well as hearing his apology, the NFL declined to fine or otherwise punish Adams.
Adams, 28, appeared wobbly when getting up after the tackle of Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and was taken to the medical tent on the Seahawks’ sideline. Adams was taken back to the locker room for tests and subsequently ruled out for the rest of the game by the team.
Adams later apologized to the unnamed doctor via social media.
“You did everything right when you realized I was concussed, I apologize for any negative energy I brought your way,” Adams wrote on Twitter.
“Watching the replay, I am thankful for your patience knowing I wasn’t myself in that moment. You’re a real one and you serve a great purpose that benefits the NFL and so many players. Prioritizing player’s health is essential. Much respect to you.”
–Field Level Media