NFLPA clarifies smelling salts ban, says players can still use them this season after George Kittle's complaints
He's just going to have to start bringing his own.
The NFLPA clarified the league's new rule on smelling salts in a memo to players on Wednesday night, according to ESPN's Kalyn Kahler. While teams are now prohibited from providing or supplying them in any form, the new policy does not stop players from actually using the substances.
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So, it's a "bring your own smelling salts" policy.
The San Francisco 49ers tight end aired his grievances on the NFL Network on Tuesday after breaking the news himself, and said that the league's decision to ban the use of smelling salts left him 'distraught.' He said he actually uses them on 'every drive' during games.
"I considered retirement," he said, jokingly. "We've got to come up with a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea."
Smelling salts have been traditionally used to treat fainting victims, but they have become popular among athletes in recent years as a perceived energy boost.
The NFL, however, cited a 2024 memo from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when explaining its ban following the NFL Network segment. It refers to smelling salts as ammonia inhalants (AIs). The FDA memo it cited also reported adverse side effects of using unapproved AIs, including "shortness of breath, seizures, migraines, vomiting, diarrhea, and fainting from consumers after using these types of products, possibly purchased through various websites."
"The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use," the memo states. "AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.
"As a result, the NFL head, neck and spine committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL."
While it may not be the healthiest thing to be doing, Kittle and others will still be allowed to use smelling salts on the sidelines this season. They'll just have to start supplying their own.
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