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Originally Posted by transplant99
And again, a player "looking" concussed, does not mean a thing either.
We either have the protocol (that the NHLPA are heavily involved in as well BTW) and follow it or we don't.
If we are just going to point at the past as "proof" things can't be trusted then anytime someone gets hit, and it "looks" bad, then that player will have to be benched for a few days..or weeks...or something.
What possible motive would Bill Peters have to state what he did, unless he was advised by the medical people (that apparently we cant trust now) that Sam is fine?
Meanwhile thousands of miles away while watching on TV someone says..."hmmm that looks like a concussion and he needs to sit"....and that's going to be the decider?
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The NHLPA being involved doesn't give me any more faith in the protocol. The players want to play, period. Have a look at what former players like Dan Carcillo think of the concussion protocol. It's a joke.
I'd argue to say there are visual signs that are indicative of concussion that would outweigh someone 'acting normal' being an indication they're ok.
A player that is knocked out, or struggling to stand on account of a high impact blow, wobbly legs, etc., there are loads of concussion specialists that would call these tell tale signs, in as much as there are tell tale signs today. The issue is the science is lacking a way to indisputably diagnose concussion on the spot.
That doesn't mean the concussion protocol is ok.
I think it's time to hold the league to a higher standard than a protocol that has failed hundreds of players. The Flames are no more guilty of this than any other team in the league, but I do think it's time for fans (and players) to start demanding more and question the come back period for a hit of this nature.