LSU head coach Brian Kelly and his medical staff have received major backlash for their questionable concussion test performed on Garrett Nussmeier.
During the Tigers 27-16 defeat against the Florida Gators, Nussmeier received a heavy blow to his head as the quarterback was sacked. The hit left him visibly shaken, grabbing his head before he eventually returned to his feet after a consider time on the ground.
Concussion has became a significant talking point within the sport, including the controversy surrounding Tua Tagovailoa’s decision to continue playing having suffered multiple concussion in the last couple of years. And concerns regarding player safety will only be increased after the lazy concussion test the LSU team appeared to perform.
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The sideline evaluation included simple tasks such as asking Nussmeier to track a finger and stand on one leg with your eyes closed. The quarterback was allowed to return to the field after missing just one play, raising further questions about the thoroughness of concussion protocols and assessments.
Concussions can cause players serious long-term health problems if the incorrect diagnosis is given or the affected player is rushed back to return. Given the increased research and knowledge into concussions and head injuries in recent years, Kelly and LSU have come under intense scrutiny.
The examination was slammed by qualified neuroscientist and founding CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, Chris Nowinski. Sharing clips of the sacking and following tests on X, he wrote: “LSU QB Nussmeier back in after this hit, missing one play after a BS “follow my finger” and “stand on one leg with your eyes closed” sideline #concussion exam is an embarrassment to sports medicine and college football.”
He then added: “If you are concerned he had a concussion because he got crushed, grabbed his head, and took forever to stand up, you’ve got to do more than this. He gets hit again and this could be ugly”.
Nussmeier found himself left exposed by his defense as the Tigers sacked the signal caller seven times and hit him during other plays. LSU’s offensive line has been one of college football’s better units. Anchored by All-American junior left tackle Will Campbell and projected NFL Draft pick Emery Jones Jr. at right tackle.
However, the lack of protection Nussmeier received against the Gators left Kelly disappointed but explained there were several contributing factors. “Some of it, we’re concerned to the point that we want to keep our quarterback clean. But we have to look at it in its entirety,” Kelly said.
“Did the ball come out when it needed to, did we protect the way we needed to. Any time the quarterbacks gets knocked down, everyone is going to have to look at what did we do and what can we do better?”
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