CNN
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The National Football League Players Association has terminated the independent neurotrauma counselor involved in the evaluation of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a concussion during their game against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, according to multiple reports including Tom NFL Network’s Pelissero unnamed sources.
The independent neurotrauma counselor was fired, citing an unnamed source, after it was discovered he made “several errors” in his assessment, according to ESPN.
CNN reached out to the NFLPA but did not immediately receive a response.
The National Football League and NFLPA released a joint statement Saturday, saying that while the investigation into the handling of Tagovalioa’s concussion logs is ongoing, both sides have agreed updates to the logs are needed.
The NFL and NFLPA said they “expect to make changes to the protocol in the coming days based on what is learned so far from the review process.”
On Sunday, the NFLPA told the league it would begin a review of how Tagovailoa’s apparent head injury was handled. The NFL later confirmed to CNN that a joint investigation would be held.
In the Dolphins’ 21-19 win over the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa was briefly knocked out of the game in the second quarter after a shot from Bill’s linebacker Matt Milano forced the back of his helmet to touch the turf. The 24-year-old third-year quarterback stumbled to his feet and was taken to the locker room for the concussion. Milano was flagged for a gross passing penalty.
The Dolphins initially announced it was in doubt whether Tagovailoa would return to the game with a head injury, but came back on the field in the third quarter and finished the game with a throw for 186 yards and a touchdown.
Tagovailoa told reporters after the game that he fell on his back before his head hit the turf, causing his back to lock and he tripped. He added that he was evaluated for a concussion but was ultimately acquitted.
“The adrenaline kept me going,” added Tagovailoa.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel alluded to a back injury after the game, saying Tagovailoa’s back was “bent” in a previous game, but the hit “loosened his back,” causing his legs to wobble. McDaniel added that Tagovailoa told him his back was like “Gumby.”
The NFL and Dolphins are under scrutiny over the decision to allow Tagovailoa another game Thursday.
Tagovailoa was released by Cincinnati Bengals defenseman Josh Tupou in the second quarter of that game and lay motionless on the field for several minutes. The entire Dolphins sideline took to the field as he was placed on a backboard and stretcher before being taken to the hospital. Bengals fans present at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati showed their respect as Tagovailoa was carted off the field.
In a statement Thursday night, the NFLPA said player health and safety is “core” to its mission.
“Our concern tonight is for Tua and we hope for a full and speedy recovery,” it said. “Our investigation into the possible breach of protocol is ongoing.”
McDaniel told reporters Friday that Tagovailoa was on record for a concussion after Thursday, but gave no timeline for his return to the field.
The video showed Tagovailoa’s forearms flexed and his fingers twisted – a sign Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, a neurosurgeon, described it as a “fencing reaction” and may be linked to brain injury.