NFL Probes Giants Coach Brian Daboll Following Sideline Incident

The NFL has initiated a review concerning the New York Giants' adherence to concussion protocols, particularly focusing on head coach Brian Daboll's conduct during a recent game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

This scrutiny follows an incident on October 9, when quarterback Jaxson Dart was removed from the game late in the third quarter for a concussion evaluation after sustaining a hit. As Dart was assessed in the medical tent, Daboll was captured on camera vocally confronting team physician Dr. Scott A. Rodeo. Reports indicate that the league is examining whether the Giants complied with established concussion procedures, which could lead to potential disciplinary actions.

Footage from the game revealed Daboll, 50, visibly agitated as medical staff attended to Dart. The rookie quarterback returned to the field after missing only two plays, during which Russell Wilson briefly took over and threw an incomplete pass.

Post-game, Daboll expressed regret over his outburst. “If you’ve ever been on an NFL sideline, there’s a lot of emotions,” he stated to reporters. “I certainly am an emotional guy. I apologized directly to our team physician. I just wanted him out there if he was okay. But I wanted the process.”

He elaborated on his frustration regarding the timing of Dart's evaluation, especially as the team was preparing for a crucial fourth-down play. “We were getting ready to go for it on a potential fourth down,” he explained. “I would have burned a timeout if he could’ve come out there. I was asking, ‘How long is it gonna take?’ So, again, you want your guy out there, not at risk of anything else.”

Daboll even entered the medical tent to check on Dart, accompanied by rookie running back Cam Skattebo. Ultimately, Dart passed his evaluation and contributed to the Giants securing their second consecutive victory.

Reflecting on his time in the medical tent, Dart remarked, “It felt so long. A few guys popped in. I was just trying to get back there on the field. I understand they have protocol and whatnot. I was just trying to get out there fast.”

As of now, Daboll has not received any direct communication from the league regarding the investigation. “Yeah, I haven’t, but I’ll say this,” he noted during a Zoom call with reporters. “In no way would I want a player to come back out there that wasn’t ready to play. I think I have great respect for that process.”

Dart was not diagnosed with a concussion and has a ten-day recovery period before the Giants face the Denver Broncos on October 19. The league has yet to provide a timeline for concluding its review.

Should the investigation reveal any violations of protocol or unprofessional behavior, fines or other disciplinary measures may be imposed.