How a Loophole Cleared Tua Tagovailoa of a Concussion - Doctor Explains

[@kingjulien9525]

Thank You for educating me few years ago when I tore my Achilles. I've been watching since then.

[@BrianSuttererMD]

thank you ! did your Achilles recovery go ok?

[@kingjulien9525]

@@BrianSuttererMD Yes Sir! Surgery and physical therapy went great. Being active since then,lot ot out door running and few pick up basketball, but great for the most part. Thank you Sir!

[@djohnson8323]

The hardest part is getting blood flow back and putting on calf muscle

[@kingjulien9525]

@@djohnson8323 True that. Got 2surgeries(first one got infected after they removed the stitches a little prematurely, was healing so well, had to go back on the table, 2 best sleeps of my life I might not wake up from lol), the harder was getting off Scare City, learning how to walk again without crushes I got used to. This channel helped me in my decision making to get surgery, therapy process, healing, and recovery expectations.

[@ConnorNolan]

@@kingjulien9525 I feel you, I never thought I’d recover from my achilles. It’s never 100% the same but it feels way better than I ever thought it would

[@dustinbarron9402]

My issue was with the lack of urgency the NFLPA seemed to have with regards to their investigation. They weren't even going to start talking to people until after Tua was at risk of a potential SIS. The NFLPA failed to represent this player adequately and they should be ashamed. This union has absolutely no teeth.

[@ShaunHensley]

The only union that has teeth are the various police unions

[@dustinbarron9402]

@Baby Boy I don't think this is a bad idea. What if one of the refs was trained for trauma response?

[@KianCortada-Covarrubias]

@@dustinbarron9402 it can't be a ref, even them being unbiased isn't accurate as they've been watching the game the whole time and may have seen a player take numerous hits and shrug em off so maybe he gives him the benefit of the doubt. It needs to be someone who knows nothing about what's going on how much time is left in the game etc. Which is impossible

[@RobertoCarlos-tn1iq]

you know there's a difference between a union and an association . . . right?

[@patc5577]

@Baby Boy there already is an “independent neurologist” that they were calling “the red hat doctor” along with the team physician and trainers. Plus the team physician and trainers for the other team. The “independent neurologist” is the one that gives the final decision. No referee or other official is going to be more highly trained that these people already are.

[@ThomasThomas-xg9vk]

The reason it was deemed orthopedic was because the Dolphins were tied at 14 going into half time against their division rivals.

[@ice843]

@Baby Boy the doctors should be paid for by the nflpa to be for the players health exclusively

[@dondajulah4168]

@Baby Boy Each team does have a doctor on the field for every game. 99% of injuries that occur on a football field are not related to the head and many of the injuries are ongoing injuries where it would cause more harm to have a doctor not affiliated with the team attend to that injured player.

[@krombopulosmichael8314]

@@dondajulah4168 I'm not sure these people actually watch football. Their comments show this.

[@animalmagic5575]

@@krombopulosmichael8314 Baby Boy, Foreign Op, Ice- Are you joking oh clueless ones? Have you ever watched football,? I think not. Stay in your lane.

[@shamanschlong]

@@dondajulah4168 So health isn't a priority?

[@MFfuji29]

The fact that he almost did the same thing Sunday with his hands is super crazy and something I think everyone missed.

[@enfynet]

Yeah the Sunday game his hands went up like he was grabbing his facemask and I don’t think anyone noticed the stiffness because his fingers weren’t completely outstretched

[@TheodoreBrosevelt]

That's why most people say it was a concussion, had his hands on his head multiple times and the wobbly legs.

[@natej84]

I missed that too. Until this video. His doctor's and team shouldn't have missed it

[@mydogsbestfren7490]

Woww thats crazy !! im pissed at the nfl smh

[@mydogsbestfren7490]

@@natej84 Miami doctors: ah shit not again

[@superbiaant]

This was a great breakdown of the Tua situation. I also love that he basically properly expressed that we should try to “keep the same energy” moving forward. Will do doc!

[@deblits3672]

He never had a MRI at the hospital !! I can’t believe they wouldn’t give him one. It seems no one really cares about HIM. As a fellow human being. It seems he’s only a product to them. Money, status. I find this sickening. God bless Tua !!

[@animelytical8354]

I don't agree, though. The energy didn't change. The outcome changed. And if Tua's response to the Sunday hit was identical to this one, then "keep that same energy" would apply. The difference is that they could lie about that one and convince some people. Not many, but this one was beyond anyone having the audacity to want to make That play.

[@rickywatson871]

@@deblits3672 Emergency rooms are not equipped for MRI's, only CTs and XRAYS. That's why 100% of MRIs are scheduled during day time hours only, when MRI technicians are operational.

[@deblits3672]

@@rickywatson871 sorry. I actually meant doing ct scans. This is part of thorough testing with head injuries. My husband had a ct scan to check for brain injury when he hit his head (Ct done in the emergency room) They also observed him for at least 8 hours after All our hospitals have their own equipment. They couldn’t handle emergencies very well if they had to wait and schedule appointments for emergencies while you bleed out, etc. I also wonder what doctors were told happened. That can determine what tests. Maybe weren’t told of the brain injury signs!!

[@BlimeyOreiley]

Props for putting this info out Doc. People need to realise what these blokes put on the line for our entertainment.

[@mintelmorewood]

And millions of dollars

[@colinburroughs9871]

@@mintelmorewood Louder for those in back. The whole thing sucked, but it's not like all parties involved didn't have their motivations, including Tua.

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

@@mintelmorewood All the money on the planet isn't worth having a permanent headache as well as brain damage .

[@mintelmorewood]

@@manchesterexplorer8519 there is nobody forcing them to play.. they have all made a choice knowing the risks and the rewards

[@arkangelarkangel1302]

I know this already... they have a Gladiator mentality.

[@bruceallen6377]

Sir, The NFL needs to hire you to write the rules and make these calls because it is clear that you are incredibly knowledgeable and forthcoming with injuries in the sports world! Thanks for your channel Brian!

[@mss11235]

They don't want honest impartial doctors. Because any true, impartial doctor would say "ban this sport... or make sure the players know they are grossly jeopardizing their health to play." It's all gray areas. Like. We may as well make it violent again. Just make sure the players know that it is dangerous.

[@jamesteele5726]

Finally a real doctor speaks. Thank you. We as fans really have no idea how to react to this incident, so we have to blame someone. Thank you for clarifying when the entire internet is exploding.

[@erickenneycreative]

The entire internet should be exploding. The NFL and Dolphins do not care about TUA or any other player unless they are making money for them. Players are expendable. If the NFL truly cared about its players and concussions, it would force EVERY player to undergo a brain scan every off season. It doesn't because .... 1. it already knows the majority of its players scans would indeed show some level of brain damage and cell death 2. it doesn't want to be held financially accountable for that damage. This needs to change.

[@Jason-Austin]

Tua was clearly showing signs of a concussion during the Bills game on Sunday. you don't have to be a trained medical professional to realize that.

[@billshun3963]

@@Jason-Austin even I can tell with my own eyes 👀

[@7oc7]

@@erickenneycreative well i think theres probably thousands & thousands that would take that risk 4 the money they r paid….its a trade off man, if u think the risk is 2 much then maybe find another line of work

[@guacamole6856]

@@Jason-Austin yet these clowns deny and say they trust team doctors decision of playing tua..

[@vipahman]

Back of the head concussion (like what Tua suffered twice) is a medula oblongata impact that can affect voluntary and involuntary functions. Tua displayed the classic symptoms both times. Front of the head concussion (like what WRs get when taken down from behind) is a cerebral impact that affects memory and consciousness.

[@BrokeMalone]

what wr takes a concussion from getting taken down from behind lo?l… do u mean a front concussion from idk maybe helmet to helmet contact on a defenseless receiver (from the front)…

[@stinkydiapey2154]

@@BrokeMalone hitting the front of their helmet on the ground when they are tackled from behind

[@TheHeadincharge]

Back of the head concussions also commonly affect vision and cerebellar function which heavily impacts motor coordination and trunk stability. Of course, in any hit the brain also slams forward so in any concussion you are likely to see some non-localized effects.

[@neanderthalsnavel7411]

Medula Oblongata is one of my top five favorite medical terms.

[@peterf.229]

well on Thursday Tua lost consciousness. he doesn’t remember the hit . in the sunday hit he looked staggered

[@adamaizenberg756]

Thanks Doc, that hit he took really shook me up a bit there, I think a lot of us felt that way. Just glad he’s ok. No need to rush him back at all.

[@isabellewilmoth2311]

It was definitely one of the scariest I’ve ever seen on the field. Poor guy.

[@bcat010]

Appreciate your insight on this case. Regardless of what kind of injury the first one was, the NFL should definitely revise its protocol on how to handle potential neuro injuries.

[@JA-ut8fi]

The fact there's a "loop hole" of any kind involving head injuries is just sick.

[@mattdesroches3219]

its not a loophole. it just means the team doctors he trusted lied

[@konstantgus9208]

Agreed! I'm a Bills fan, but I'm a human being first. The Miami organization LIED! WE SAW WHAT HAPPENED. The back injury was just another damn lie. And the media clowns did as they were told, they stopped speaking truthfully, oh yeah it was a back injury . Bull shit

[@TheHeadincharge]

@@mattdesroches3219 Even if true, it’s still a loophole in the system currently as it is unclear and allows for unneeded ambiguity. Regardless, I would be interested to see if the independent consultant ever saw the video of the injury itself.

[@michaelb1761]

The "loophole" is needed, otherwise the rule would require neurological evaluations of players with an ankle sprain due to gross motor instability, i.e. they can't walk straight. The problem is the team physician and "independent neurologist" who supposedly performed the cognitive tests and set him back out there, ignoring the stumbling while he was shaking his head and holding his head/helmet.

[@BrocKelley]

@@michaelb1761 False. All that would be required for something stupid like your argument to not happen is for people to use their brain. Fucking obviously you don't need a neuro exam for a sprained ankle. This isn't about absolute following of the letter of the law, this is about physicians doing their job. What's ridiculous is to put all the blame on the physician when they likely would be upfront and honest about what happened, and the team/organization/and player themselves use the loophole because they are motivated for the player to play whereas the physician is only motivated to make a proper assessment.

[@tad1980]

Exactly and thank you for posting this. Medicine, especially in the emergency/initial setting, is all about 'differential diagnosis' - evaluating all the potential possibilities. You can't "rule out" any cause without a thorough evaluation, scans, etc.

[@BrianSuttererMD]

ruling something in vs ruling out requires a different set of standards for each and I think that's the crux of how the protocol failed here. The 'loophole' is in there with good intent but it clearly failed here.

[@takoflame4948]

I won’t consider it a “loophole” just poor wording.

[@christopheradams8479]

NFL is literally providing security for their players...the loop is that can't be taken to court...I am a big fan of sport's, but with him he needs to sit out for a couple of week's

[@Bcco1968]

I love your videos, very informative. One thing that’s not clear is Adam Scheffler said that Tua went home with the team on Friday morning so that means that they would’ve spent the night in Cincinnati on Thursday? So what is it? Which to me is conflicting information

[@killinfiend09]

@@Bcco1968 probably left late. The game was over around 11ish. Probably got discharged at or after midnight, meaning it was Friday Morning when they flew back.

[@SadSoftLib]

Mason Rudolph had some bad postering a few years ago from a hit to the jaw by a helmet and he was out for like 3 weeks. Crazy sport.

[@Gojira85]

“I think the media has a responsibility in these situations to call things like we see it, to push harder, to ask these harder questions” I very much like what you said here, not only in this particular situation but in any situation thats covered with large media attention. I feel that the media in many cases are more concerned with views, rating than covering the truth and facts. Your videos are very informative and provides a refreshing take on sports medicine and science. Keep up the great content.

[@CHAMPDOGZ]

The media you mean the hand full of the same people they call on to get cherry picked questions

[@tuat.mvpformallybigd.2635]

The media is trash.

[@LowkAlexander]

It’s a terrible situation for Tua but this is how football goes for athletes all over the country. You have to protect players but there is honestly very little incentive to do so until it gets serious Edit (further clarification): Football is inherently dangerous. I was concussed in high school and I had to make the decision to quit playing or lie to keep playing. I lied cuz I was a starter and wanted to play. It’s hard to explain and not everyone does what I did but the only solution for a concussion is to not play and that costs you in a bunch of ways no matter the level. Missing a few games means less game tape, a potential L on the record, missed playoffs, and your coaches could lose a job. Playing with a concussion is easy to hide and it feels like it won’t affect you until you get seriously hurt, and then everyone will admit you’re concussed and it will be acceptable to lose the games you miss. It’s a terrible mentality but there are so many factors that go into making the decision as a player, coach, and team. I’m embarrassed to even admit this but as a player you wont let anything to take you off the field and you accept the consequences that come with that. It’s a very tough situation that isn’t said out loud unless you’re in the locker room.

[@BrockMDol]

Yes, because the owners only care about their bottom line. Sure, concussion protocol and brain injury safety is better than it was even five years ago. But when the league continues to drag it's feet when it comes to player safety, that only shows that it's more talk than action.

[@Mike__B]

​@@BrockMDol Tua was 100% complicit in all of this too by "verifying" it was his back that was injured.

[@Jay-gf8tm]

The only way to make it safer is ironically, take away the pads.

[@rebeccalyle8443]

@@Jay-gf8tm that is crazy in so many levels.

[@viktorstagnetti7491]

@@rebeccalyle8443 Crazy but accurate. Players would be less likely to crash into each other at full speed without layers of protection. Just natural self-preservation.

[@Minidorf2210]

I continue to enjoy your videos, Brian! Thank you for your candor when it comes to all things in sports medicine. It is just so important to protect the health of these athletes in the sports they love to play! Ultimately, their health is more important than anything else, and certainly more important than a W in a single game.

[@strawdog336]

This guy is so articulate, he's a pleasure to watch. Thanks for the info.

[@alexanderlazarus-hall1511]

This is NOT just on the neurologist that cleared him. Mike McDaniels could have seen what happened on Sunday and taken him out of the game. He could also have keep him out on Thursday. There are lots of people involved that need to be held accountable for their actions.

[@waleskabaca]

Thank you so much Doc! Appreciate all your insight! Saw your other Tua video is going a little viral. Congrats!!

[@BrianSuttererMD]

the awareness through exposure is the best!

[@jaxn54]

Hey doc I think it’s awesome to learn medical things like this from you I watch a lot of sports shows and often time I hear them say things about injuries that sound true to a normal person but in reality it’s false information I’m glad I can watch this and get a real idea of what might be going on with injuries from a real medical advisor

[@jaxn54]

Skip bayless was saying it was a brain and spine injury since his hands were spreading out He talked about it from his history of pain But I just think it was bold to say it was spine when all his nerves were going off all at once

[@m.m6770]

Had a kid in a game I was officiating last night have the same thing happen to him, Posturing and everything. The "medic" came out and set him up before he had really even regained any sort of mental awareness of where he was even at. Blew my mind!

[@peterf.229]

a long time ago i was reffing a soccer game and two players went for a header and smashed heads . one got up and fell down and the other just stayed down . a dad and the coach both ran out. the dad was not a father of either of the players but a doctor . he had to yell at the parents to not move either player . a guy from the other team had a car phone and called 9-1-1 and got medics out . the next week i saw that team and got an update that both players got concussions but were expected to recover .

[@myblacklab7]

That's terrible. Back in the '80s, I was sliding on ice and some much bigger kid slammed me down. I woke up in the office and thought I was in trouble again. They didn't have any medical professional look at me, and I'm pretty sure they carried me from the ice to the office with no stretcher or anything. It messed me up for quite a long time, and I think I may have experienced symptoms decades later.

[@ulost1gaming417]

God bless them all. Especially the offensive lineman that was behind Tua and realized Tua was in trouble and went to try and catch him before he fell the second time.

[@Lauranyyfan]

Hey Doc Brian... I think you handle all of these videos with the utmost respect and care for the patient and for your fans that both care and are trying to learn from your expertise!! Thank you, and keep on rocking it!! You've definitely proven how great your bedside manner is!!💜

[@theshow1269]

Excellent break down. Prayers for Tua!

[@paul75ranger]

Nice to hear from someone knowledgeable on the subject on KZbin and from a real doctor and not someone who plays one on KZbin lol I think I found a channel I will enjoy watching. Very clear and understandable explanation of things.

[@AmpTheProducer]

Finally, AN ACTUALLY DOCTOR! I had never seen so many people become doctors overnight; it was laughable. Thanks doc 🙏🏽

[@csolivais1979]

Anymore, you can say that about any hot issues that come up, unfortunately.

[@viktorstagnetti7491]

Don't need a MD to know he shouldn't have been playing to begin with.

[@danielwiggins4960]

I’m a neuro ICU RN at a trauma center. Really like your vids. I was shocked they attributed Tua’s to a spinal injury last week, when he clearly had an upper motor neuron lesion. I was surprised he was playing Thursday.

[@danielwiggins4960]

I was also surprised he was discharged. He may have had a spinal on top of a head injury last Sunday. If I was his doctor, he would be out 6 weeks with zero screen time. Let him heal and be the QB of the future. I’ve never been a fan of Teddy Bridgewater, but he’s a lot better than Chase Daniels, for example

[@taags]

So he actually had a small posturing on that first hit. Damn. People should be fired over this.

[@JayD73]

Im not trying to be that guy but I don’t think that was posturing at all. It’s hard to explain but sometimes after a big hit you’re in pain/dazed and you tense up on purpose to try to shake it off. Think about when you stub your toe and you tense up to try to fight through the pain. I only say this because I’ve done this exact same thing on a football field you kinda want to grab your head because it hurts but you’re wearing a helmet so you tense up until that initial pain goes away

[@mambaASI]

They didn't show that angle at all to the public as far as I'm aware. But there is no doubt all the coaches and team medical people had that footage of him laying there with his hands near his head looking quite rigid. Either crazy incompetence or lack of care for his well being.

[@mission772]

@@JayD73 It's quite possible you also had a concussion.

[@JayD73]

@@mission772 obviously it’s possible but as far as I know posturing is involuntary movement and I’m saying I’ve done this on purpose

[@mission772]

@@JayD73 Posturing is involuntary. But he didn't grab his helmet. It looked to me like it was exact same position he ended up in on Thursday. I have had few major injuries and each time my hands went to the pain location. I never had my "bell rung" So I'm not sure about that side of it.

[@kevindorsi1753]

It's been a common criticism of McDaniel for saying after the game that Tua "only had a concussion" and that he is downplaying the severity of it... My thoughts are that in the situational context he wasn't downplaying but rather putting emphasis on the fact that there was no bleeding, hernation (is that the word?) Or overly excessive swelling IN ADDITION to the concussion, what are your thoughts on that?

[@d8l835]

He was implying that it could have been worse, being paralyzed or something. In that respect, thank god it was ONLY a concussion

[@tuat.mvpformallybigd.2635]

McDaniel really cares about Tua. He's nit a doctor and goes by what the doctor says.

[@Ease1x]

It's pretty old, but I recommend doing a video on Alexei Cherapanov. First-round NHL draft pick who collapsed and died in the middle of a game when he was only 19. Interesting story

[@BloggerMusicMan]

Hugely agree. That was another case of him being with a club who did not have the protocol and equipment in place to look after their players. The big difference was it was Cherapanov's heart, not his head, that was the source of the problem.

[@Basedmursenary]

Good breakdown. I was honestly curious about the fencing vs. posturing response, and your explanation helped. Hopefully this lights a fire under some butts and helps progress safety standards.

[@frightenedsoul]

Appreciate the knowledge you dropped on concussions in this episode. It’s important info we should all know really. Schooling has let me down again.

[@SB-uo9to]

Coming from the legal side of it, those two different phrasings of the concussion protocol can lead to vastly different outcomes. You’re essentially flipping the entire focus of the case depending on which definition you use: are you looking to prove the existence of a head injury, or rule out the existence of an orthopaedic one. One is much easier to do than the other

[@ColoradoSportsFan178]

Prayers out for Tua right now 🙏

[@StainlessTIG2]

Excellent explanation. I knew immediately that Tua had a head injury when he stood up after hitting his head on the turf. He was punch drunk. I hope that Tua makes a speedy recovery.

[@myblacklab7]

I knew too, and I just saw the highlights, which didn't include the hit and the posturing. People don't lose control of their body parts like that with a back injury, unless it's a very serious back injury. What Miami did here strikes me as criminal - I know it's bad to rush to judgment, but I wouldn't call this a rushed judgment when everyone with eyes could see that he had a concussion on Sunday.

[@sevms22]

Thank you for making this, I know you explained it, and it explained it well, but some people weren’t getting it and I’m happy you put it this directly for people

[@gregorbrns]

Loved the video! Great to hear the in depth analysis. good to get a better understanding of the situation too. only let down was the slight buzzing at times during the video!

[@Tony_940]

NFL concussion protocol is the equivalent to UFC refs asking a blind fighter if they can see out of their eye

[@NuggyRC]

Love your content and thank you for bringing in depth analysis on these incidents. Side note as someone who as at that Cal game where Javid was catapulted into the air and then landed on his back and head I really didn't think I would be reliving that moment from this video lol.

[@dstaron3162]

I'm curious about your answer to the retirement question. Would another concussion next week change your mind? or a 4th or a 5th? Is there a number/threshold or if he keeps passing the protocol he has nothing to worry about?

[@RicoPendergrass]

They’re not happy til someone dies on the field from this type of injury.

[@dondajulah4168]

@@RicoPendergrass A lot of commenters here expressing this view will be sitting their a**es in front of a TV watching NFL on Sunday. Those people disgust me even more than the NFL with their hypocrisy.

[@MollyFC]

I imagine he'd have to show some kind of rapid deterioration so to speak. Like an inability to speak coherently or extreme memory loss

[@langkanai]

He's already had 3 (known) concussions in his young career. If long term quality of life is his priority, he should announce his retirement immediately. It's inevitable that he'll get more, and the odds of him suffering from CTE are not in his favor..

[@kqmden]

You're right about the weird flipflop of opinions. Anyone who's ever hit their head (almost everyone) should have been able to empathize with the situation to a certain degree regardless of whether it was the Thursday hit response or the Sunday hit response

[@SayKyleNotCow]

There is a huge debate going on in NASCAR about the cars not being safe with a new generation car this year. Cars are more ridged and the drivers are saying the cars do not give and basically transfer all of the force to their bodies and heads. 2 drivers are out with concussions this weekend, please take a look and would love to see a video about what you think Doc!

[@peterf.229]

Dale Jr retired due to concussions , i don’t really follow nascar

[@markweber4678]

Really good follow up to the post game analysis on Sunday and Thursday! Makes it much easier to understand how this played out. Thanks!

[@markdavid294]

Tua seems like a really nice guy and i hate to see him get beat up, He can still be a big person in football off the field and not risk further damage..

[@rickywatson871]

Tua is an excellent person. But why aren't you pushing for every single quarterback that suffers concussions to be a big person off the field and not risk further damage? Why are you just singling out Tua? If that's the case, shouldn't you just say this about every concussed quarterback?

[@markdavid294]

@@rickywatson871 Because getting concussed twice 4 days apart is exponentially much worse on the 2nd one before first one had time to heal !! Im considering his durability issues along with already mounting head injuries so early in his career. He will be at high risk for permanent damage and most will hold their breath anytime he gets hit going foward. I strongly feel he needs off the rest of year and reevaluate the situation in 2023.

[@sharbelkhoury8258]

I love your videos so much! Thank you for being a source of inspiration as well to many of us. I just got my first medical school acceptance letter today and I hope to eventually pursue PM&R!

[@DanielBarberMusic]

With each concussion, the next one happens more easily and the recovery time to 100% lengthens dramatically. IF Sunday was actually a concussion (and there doesn't seem to be much reasonable doubt that it was), then this 2nd one could imply quite a long recovery time for it to be safe for him to get back on the field. Confounding all this is that the symptoms can go away and he can "appear" to be fine, but that doesn't mean his brain has completely recovered. Having another concussion before complete recovery could be either fatal, career ending, or could lead to severe consequences for his health down the road. Tricky stuff, all this....

[@beardown6574]

You're the man doc! Thanks for the update and answering the questions everybody was asking.

[@Shelby20874]

When you mentioned this in your initial video about Tua I was thinking there had to be a gap in the language that left the possibility of a return for Tua and other players despite no go symptoms being present.

[@Donald_the_Potholer]

For purpose of analogy: a Targeting penalty in College *must* be overturned if the review official cannot verify that the conditions for Targeting were present. In this case "Targeting" is analogous to "Neurological disfunction", with the sideline doc as the "review official": If the doctor can't rule out other causes, then the "no-go" is not triggered. Let's hope we see the burden of proof shifted from "must rule out other causes in order to sideline" to "must rule out neurological in order to return"

[@peterf.229]

i’m sure the investigation will look into closing the “loophole” erring on the side of caution might be better than ignoring an injury ( or not realizing a head injury happened) and leading to a much worse injury later on

[@smf1280]

That Javid Best landing is something I'll remember forever. That was insane!

[@don63]

What has happened to concussion protocol testing. There is no way you could pass the cognitive test in the condition he was in. Also when he's shaking his head and falling down... unconscionable. $$$ over health.

[@exit6ban]

People always purposely do bad on the baseline so u can pass easier and get back out there

[@DieselSgrass]

Doctor Sutterer himself says it's not impossible to walk off the field and pass that test. So there's that. This video shown here from the sidelines of posturing appears to be new, and not readily available on Sunday. Therefore the fact is he probably sold them on the back or ankle issue and passed the off field exam. You're welcome.

[@don63]

@Bully peter Good looking eats

[@jckdnls9292]

You don't know what you're talking about

[@gpgarcia4494]

Former players have been saying when they took the baseline test, they purposefully did terrible at it so if they had to do it during a game they would pass. They were worried about not playing and then losing their job.

[@Invictus-Solaris]

This video needs to be brought to the attention of the NFL and its players. If the NFL doesn’t care, then the players can help push for something at least.

[@chriskay1449]

The NFLPA is already investigating the protocol so thyey already know everything in this video.Also, the NFL had nothing to do with the decision of Tua playing. That was the independent doctor who evaulated him last Sunday.

[@tchevrier]

A back/ankle injury can't explain the Bambi legs. Hard to imagine any UNC ( who is aware of the protocol, not just the placard) would attribute one to the other.

[@donovanbradford8231]

Great video and breakdown of the situation. Given that there is a loop hole in the language of the protocol I think someone from the Dolphins organization exploited it and that's why we got a back unjury and not head trauma. Given everything that has come out about the Dolphins over the last few months I can see high up asking, "can he go back out? if so how can we dress this up yo avoid issues?" And given what Tua has over come a devastating hip fracture to only get drafted by an organization that is willing to exploit loopholes and jeopardize someone's long term health is very sad.

[@dfsas6621]

The team at the hospital treating him in Cincy though would be relying on the information provided. So, they would be treating him under the assumption this is his first head injury and first concussion. Versus treating him as a patient who has had two concussions in five days. That is why it feels off he was discharged so quickly and flew home so quickly.

[@BrokeMalone]

bro it doesnt matter if its one or 2 concussions…. even if u have a brain hemorrhage, they still normally jus monitor it, most concussions go home… he was moving his limbs, nothing more to do then go home and sleep, sleep is most important after concussion and its hard to sleep in hosptials. doctors dont wana cut ur skull open or off unless they have 2, which is rare..

[@dondajulah4168]

@@BrokeMalone People need to chill out. They act like any concussion causes irreparable brain damage that will lead to dementia before 40. Tua continuing to play football is a death sentence. Lots of drama queens in this world today.

[@bruinsboy6395]

@@dondajulah4168 because it can?? there are multiple athletes either dead or with real problems because of hits to the head, it only takes once. Somethings are more important then football

[@dondajulah4168]

@@bruinsboy6395 he was discharged from the trauma center and flew home with the team. Hundreds of thousands of people suffer concussions every year without any known long term effects. If you only apply the worst case scenario to inform every decision you make, you wont have much of a life. The current Dolphin roster includes one player that was forced to retire from football in college due to sustaining multiple head injuries. Judging by your username, you should know which player I am talking about.

[@bruinsboy6395]

@@dondajulah4168 yes i do but i used to think like you until someone close to me took one hit to head and was never the same, it only takes one

[@Andy-zz9zz]

Great video, being in the medical field I think we need to have a higher level of optics and look at both sides of the situation. Thank you for bringing this to light instead of always giving into people emotions. Kudos.

[@stinkydiapey2154]

You didn’t mention whether it’s safe to fly with a concussion. I think that’s more what people were asking with the “was it safe to fly home with the team” question. Although obviously second impact syndrome also a concern. Was interested to hear your take on it since I’ve seen mixed research on flying post concussion

[@peterf.229]

the changes of pressure could be a huge problem but idk the actual answer

[@og-unknown242]

NFL needs to hire this guy

[@marcdavis4509]

My question: does the construction of turf fields effect head injuries more so than grass fields? Regardless, the physicians have a responsibility to protect the players as best they can. People are fallible and make mistakes but when the misdiagnosis could potentially cause a player or anyone to suffer neurological damage those physicians need to have better training.

[@cloudmaster182]

I'm pretty sure the turf they use today is a lot safer than the astroturf they used to use, which was just a thin pad directly on concrete idk how it compares to just normal grass tho

[@chriskay1449]

It isn't astroturf anymore. Field Turf is a lot closer to real grass than Astroturf.

[@jincardscollector7133]

@@chriskay1449 no it not that why all the players are complaining about turf

[@kray97]

Impact with a grass field will also give you a concussion.

[@kray97]

The danger with turf is players getting their cleats caught in it and it causing various lower leg/joint injuries. Most of the impact risk is from other players hitting you or throwing you in the case of Tua.

[@dustinamann4255]

Well spoken and I think the best way to describe it to the football people would be assume the call on the field was that it was a concussion and you need clear evidence it wasn't to overturn the call. Not that you need to prove it was a concussion.

[@Bigmam9900]

Great video but I hear a little static in your mic. I’m sure you’ll be able to figure out what’s going on

[@ImOriginallyGreen]

Thought it was just me, wanted to also share the same feedback, great vid but staticky

[@richardpawl1664]

The fact his response during the Bengals game was more severe than from the Bills game actually kind of proved the original concussion from the Bills game.

[@thetruth1816]

I've had 7 concussions in my 44 years on earth and the bills game tua was clearly concussed but he's gotta be an advocate for himself...

[@Thataintnothing]

Damn Buddy You got me by 1 I have had 6 , am 65 Was in an Coma for 2 Weeks on one when I was 16 , Broke my Neck Ribs on right side Crushed Collapsed My Lung and Dislocated right Shoulder , Got Last Rights and was Paddled Twice and Chest Tubed but made it but I had some Permanent Cognitive Issues. I knew Tua was Concussed and argued with Fin Fans saying Back issue made him Stumble And Called Bull on that too ! Had Back Fusion and Know when Your back Hurts You Lock up and Your hand goes to Your Back or neck Injury . Stay Healthy and Wish You WELL

[@thetruth1816]

@@Thataintnothing yikes bro sounds like you had a hell of recovery. .. I played football and boxed in my younger years for my 6 and my last one was 3 years ago I ran into the wall 100MPH playing indoor softball!!

[@Thataintnothing]

@@thetruth1816 Your an tough SOB ! Yea Was Riding with an Drunk Cousin in His 66 Chevelle SS and He ran an Red Light right in Front of State Trooper , Tried To out run We went off Road 115 mph and Rolled Car 3 times went across road hit 15 Splitrail fence posts and Rails on passenger Door where I sat then an Tree wrapping Car like Letter C , I did not have an Seatbelt on was Crushed and had to be cut Out , Heard them say I was Dead , That was all the Broken shit and State Patrolman visited Me and said If I had been wearing my Seatbelt would Be Dead ! Took Me about an year to Heal up and had Surgeries on Shoulder 40 years after ! Have had 40 Surgeries. Got my First Concussion at 14 Hit by Pitch 🤪 Well my Man You have Lived an Interesting Life , My Father Boxed too ! Best regards and Hope For Great Football !

[@thetruth1816]

@@Thataintnothing same to you sir

[@sachad964]

in the NRL we have a HIA Head Injury Assessment, the player fails an onfield test they have to go off for a minimum of 15 minutes which they can fail, an independent doctor will make also make calls directly to the ref and stop the game to get a player that has sustained a decent hit to the head to go off for a HIA. also any serious hit were a player stumbles or shows any signs of concussion and that doctor will call him gone from the game. some of the best players have stumbled 1st minute in a game and they have then been ruled out

[@michaelharris4450]

I just said that. He did that in the Bill's game

[@JohnHausser]

Good job Doctor! You’re clearly a passionate person 😅 Cheers from San Diego California

[@biscaynediver]

It's naive to expect "the media" is going to step up. Bob Costas had as much juice in the broadcast business as anyone, and the second he spoke up, he disappeared from NFL broadcasts and even got exorcised from major network sports. He is not the only one. All reporters know, the second they say something the NFL doesn't want, they're gone - they'll never have locker room access or media avails with any player or coach, and they'll never see the inside of an NFL broadcast booth again.

[@sntckr1]

Your clip-on necktie rocks. I didn't need to search for your medical degree and practice history after I saw your tie.

[@christopheradams8479]

Hey Doc I like shirt, where can I get that? Also I agree with you and that he should not play for at least two weeks. I know he's going to be suffering with headaches and maybe down the road with CTE. I know I'm not a professional, but if he keeps getting hits like those, it's going to be a problem.

[@BrianSuttererMD]

andcollar is the shirt brand. They are honestly phenomenal and well priced. It's the only dress shirt I wear. I did a few ads for them before, code 'brian10' might still work

[@christopheradams8479]

Any response with potentially having CTE in his future and dealing with headaches and should not be playing for two week's (minimum)?

[@alisonbyrne9353]

Thank you for your unbiased opinion. The same people complaining after the Thursday night game, about how Tua was even allowed to play, had been praising his resilience on Sundays return. Yes, on Sunday, obviously he was able to get up afterwards, though stumbling, which would probably not show up by the time he reached the locker room . Hindsight is 20/20. Should it be automatic to keep the player out for the rest of the game if it’s a possibility for head trauma? I’m going to have to say yes. As a diehard football fan, I would rather have my team possibly lose a game than lose a player permanently due to an injury.

[@natej84]

Why aren't more people talking about the first game with the bills, and Tua putting his hands up to his face? Very similar to the way he did Thursday. Obviously Thursday was worst but you can see he hit his head and his hands went up to protect his face both times

[@peterf.229]

he got a concussion in that game too and shouldn’t have played vs the bengals

[@myblacklab7]

A lot of us are talking about that. When I saw that he played on Thursday and sustained another concussion, I was immediately angry, and that seems to be a common reaction. I can't believe they put him back in the game on Sunday.

[@craigpridemore5831]

Excellent piece. You expressed it clearly enough that someone (like me) with no neurological background can understand. Thanks.

[@chase7537]

I'm worried tua will turn into Antonio brown, brown was fairly normal before a concussion and after that his personality changed into the one we know now

[@BaffZm]

How is it that more ppl don't follow BrianMD..? Great guy, very informative.

[@christheintrovert8100]

NFL don't care about players health all they care about is selling tickets. I hope Tua will overcome this and hopefully don't have to end his career early. Also I put some blame on Tua because If you know you don't feel well after your head hit the turf tell coach you not well to go back

[@Terrencetidbits]

I feel like there’s a lot of internal and external pressure around Tua, which I think definitely led him to thinking he was ok, when in reality he had no business being out there Thursday. The masculinity of football culture about being tough and not being labeled “soft” can certainly play a part in how someone operates. I truly hope he takes his time. While retirement does sound extreme, he’s 24….he’s married. Maybe he wants to have a family. What’s more important, playing a game that can severely injure you or being able to spend the rest of your life in a proper cognitive state?

[@christheintrovert8100]

@@Terrencetidbits if I'm Tua and my head hit the turf and I go to the sideline and get "checked out" and i don't feel 100% I ain't going that's why they got a backup

[@ky9263]

I think you can't blame tua. There are somethings he can change about his game to help himself but that's beside the real point. Players need to be protected from themselves period. The team and doctors failed him anything else besides that is a gross misunderstanding of the whole situation

[@christheintrovert8100]

@@ky9263 he has much needed accountability. If your ass in dizzy after hitting the turf with your head u should take yourself out the game worry about your health first

[@ky9263]

@@christheintrovert8100 I'm gonna disagree. Have you listened to these football players talk? They want to play regardless. Drew Brees was a good interview on this even Shannon Sharpe. Again players need to be protected from themselves.

[@leanderzulu3494]

This is a much better video than the first two. Instead of speculation we have actual proof now

[@kevindown1592]

Thank you Brain for this follow up. I watch high school football. I’ve pretty much given up on the NFL which was extremely hard to do. By the way, the league my old high school plays in has Austin Collie’s former high school in it. Your mentioning him brings this home for me. There are currently 17 players from the high school league in the NFL at this time so you can see there is a high level of football played in the league. I played in the league back in the dark ages. I know I hid injuries to keep playing including getting my bell rung a couple of times. How many of these types of head injuries go unreported in high school & college even today? One of the many reasons I gave up on the NFL is the issue around injuries. By the time a player gets to the NFL he has played football for more than a decade. That is many collisions for a player to absorb all over his body. Sports Illustrated ran an article a few years ago which turned my thinking toward giving up on the NFL. The article stated player retirement was close to 100% due to injury. I’m not in their prime demographic anymore so I sure they don’t care I no longer spend a dime on their product. I personally think NFL owners want players to have short careers to keep salaries down. As a group of loosely organized billionaires I think the salary restrictions are in place to keep any one of them from going on a spending spree. They structure contracts to encourage players to play hurt. If I was Tia’s management team and family I’d be very concerned about his long term health.

[@peterf.229]

can you prove that players are required to play through brain injuries ? many injuries are pain tolerance levels and so a player might choose to play with a spained ankle which is different than a head injury

[@kevindown1592]

@@peterf.229 Peter, Perhaps I was not clear. I was speaking specifically about brain injuries like the ones Tua received. And I was was talking about CTE and how the NFL has treated it with regards to retired players. Yes, an ankle injury is very different from a closed head injury. I don’t believe the NFL does enough to protect players or the NFL Players Union for that matter. The NFL is only organization with the money to fully investigate head injuries and work to minimize them. They set the example. I saw a replay today of Oklahoma’s QB receiving a late hit when he slid which knocked him out. OU did the right thing and didn’t put him back in the game. So the issue is still a big one for the game in my opinion.

[@bodhi8260]

Can you do a segment on the danger of many lesser hits to the brain, especially in k12 football? Thank you for being medically driven, unlike other youtube "doctors" that I've seen.

[@kattmilk]

As a Bama/Dolphins fan who is a boxer and loves football , I'm beyond livid. EVERYONE failed Tua, including his own family. If I was his mom, I'd have him snatched & locked him down until he healed completely! There's no way on God's green earth Tua should've been in the Bengals game! If this doesn't end in severe penalties against the Dolphins and the medical staff, I might just be finished with the NFL altogether. Bama Nation is Praying for Tua. 🙏🏾 🐘 🐬 🌊 🏈

[@jamaal7875]

I understand what happened to Tua on Sunday is important. It doesn't change the fact that what happened to him Thursday night could happen anytime he steps back on the field or any other player. What steps can the NFL take to stop a player from being whipped backwards into the ground with no way to brace for impact.

[@peterf.229]

you could turn football into flag football. in other words it won’t happen. the hit on Thursday was not a penalty , many plays where players get concussions aren’t .

[@chrisr3992]

I got a concussion in high school that put me out for 1 min on the practice field and I passed all the test right after. But I took myself out of practice and the game the rest of the week just to make sure I was ok. And to be honest for 5 years after that concussion I would have blackout moments randomly. Concussion need to be taken seriously by everyone even the players need to do a better job

[@John-Edward]

Good show! Very good Analysis! I’m just happy that Tua seem to be doing fine!

[@futurehofer1564]

This is whats wrong with the nfl, it isnt worth all this strain it puts on its players. Thats why I dont watch it anymore. Awful.

[@kyleking8282]

Great video Doctor Sutterer, as always. Just wanted to let you know of the mic feedback I’m sure you have noticed. Please keep up the great (real time) videos!

[@Sportzguy71]

This just shows that the Miami Dolphins don’t care about Tua and his well being as a human.

[@jonathandill5529]

So you're saying the miami dolphins deliberatly put tua in just to win a game? That is a broad statement this is clearly on the medical staff and the independant doctor not the organization.

[@imab125]

@@jonathandill5529 The independent physician was provided by the NFL, no? I’m curious to see the results at the end of the investigation.

[@99186shuang]

@@jonathandill5529 medical staff and doctor can get pressure from the top or their job will be threatened. The team just cares about the game and how much money they can make. NFL should have not had season when the lockdown happened but they made it happen.

[@maxsterling8203]

God bless this channel. Loopholes about brain injuries exist all over the world not just the nfl

[@mosesh06]

The vaccine

[@kingofgrim4761]

Crazy how idiots can even be on doctors videos saying the vax

[@thekerryout6638]

I like your take on the media holding some responsibility. Marcus Spears on ESPN admitted to the same thing.

[@BonafiedYT]

Also forgetting concussions that get brushed away from pop warner and high school, concussions in college. Concussions from years of practice. Theres so many concussions throughout football life.

[@oo1670]

thx Doc excellent breakdown of what happened and for putting it in everyday English for us non-surgeons

[@pheleant]

Thank you for sharing this information! I appreciate your willingness to help me understand this better.

[@charliesmith5189]

I know that I was shocked when Tua returned on Sunday. Sometimes it takes major problems to bring about change. Change is what is needed if an obvious head impact, and loss of motor control, is brushed off as unrelated to head trauma.

[@WillByars1991]

Could you do a full breakdown on what a concussion is, how it can effect a person/athlete, and how you “heal” from this type of inhury

[@williamcoolidge9884]

Well done. I wish every talking head in the sports media would watch your videos.

[@squishy1624]

UPDATE: the neurotrauma consultant who cleared Tua to continue to play against the Bulls on Sunday, has been FIRED.

[@TheHeadincharge]

Great video as always! I would be interested to see if the independent consultant ever got access to or was even shown the video of the injury itself. I think it’s very possible he never saw the injury occur or never got a replay of the injury. Assuming he then passed all the tests they ran on him, they might then let him back into the game. I have no idea if this is what occurred, but I think there’s certainly room for them to have done a proper assessment but a lack of a requirement for the doctor to review replays of the injury itself seems like another flaw in the protocol.

[@Ph03nix1]

In regards to the media who actually watched Sunday, they definitely should’ve pressed the issue more. I didn’t see the footage, but I had heard he got hurt, that it was a back injury, and I didn’t think anything of it. I was introduced to the whole situation Thursday, when I saw him lock up on the ground. It was almost immediately afterwards I saw the Sunday clip of him stumbling around after smacking his head on the turf, and I was stunned that anyone would see that and not suspect a concussion. That Sunday clip triggered flashbacks of my last concussion after hitting the curb skateboarding, where I couldn’t walk straight for a solid 30 seconds

[@peterf.229]

i found a clip on youtube for the sunday hit , it was from what i saw a concussion and not a back injury esp not back spasms which was talked about on the first video Dr Brian did

[@WheresMyJuice]

The dolphins’ medical staff would have cleared JFK to get back in the motorcade

[@StephenRichardsX]

1. Absolutely love your content. Great presentation skills, with excellent explanation of differential diagnoses. Seriously, well done. 2. I don't think it's possible to overemphasize your final point: The time for outrage was during/after the Bills game. Unfortunately, I don't think any of this will change until guidelines are adjusted to simply state that it's neurological until proven otherwise. No ambiguous language, no other options.

[@bennytrue1068]

Appreciate your opinion on this as it looks very scary and people are looking for heads to roll