NEW YORK – One day after saying an investigation into the care of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is dealing with potentially season-ending blood clots, would not be necessary, the NFL now welcomes such scrutiny after the players' union called for one, commissioner Roger Goodell said.
"Well, we welcome that," Goodell said as the fall league meeting in Manhattan ended. "That’s part of our process. That’s fine."
The NFL Players' Association, via a statement issued late Tuesday, called for a "full investigation into what occurred" with Hurts.
"The NFLPA is not aware of any NFL investigation into the medical care provided to Jalen Hurts," the statement read. "In fact, the league previously informed the union that it did not plan to review
the care he received.
"Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred. Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care and protection going forward."
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, detailed the care Hurts received before Hurts played an Oct. 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, England. He also provided a timeline that contradicted earlier reports that Hurts had not slept for 36 hours prior to kickoff.
“Any idea or any suggestion that a team physician is ever being influenced by a coach, a general manager, a team owner – it just doesn’t happen,” Sills said.
Sills added: “The notion that there are external factors or that any of our physicians would put a player in harm’s way – that’s nonsense.”
Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial blood clot, which was announced Thursday, Oct. 15, along with news that he would miss the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers. But on Monday, the team and a representative for Hurts released a joint statement describing how the superficial blood clot progressed into deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and multiple clots in his lungs.
According to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the investigation will be conducted through the joint Accountability and Care Committee that is shared between the two entities. Within 60 days of the initiation of an investigation, two or more neutral physicians (or other subject-matter experts) will be selected to investigate and issue a written report. The report should "include their recommendations as to what steps shall be taken to address and correct any issues shall be acted upon by the Parties," per the CBA.
“Our chief medical officer has been through the protocols that were followed,” Goodell said Wednesday. “So we welcome that (investigation). If that’s what they do, that’s their right.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL, Roger Goodell reverse course on Jalen Hurts’ inquiry after NFLPA demand
