5 days ago
NFL bans smelling salts, George Kittle 'considered retirement'
The NFL continues to adjust rules to try and improve player safety and increase both fairness and competitiveness. However, a new rule the league created almost sent an NFC West rival of the Arizona Cardinals out of the league.
Star San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle thought about walking away from the league with the new rule that bans players from using ammonia packets and smelling salts during games, on the sideline or in the locker room.
"I considered retirement," Kittle said. "We have to figure out a middle ground.'
NFL ban on smelling salts: The reason why
The league believes that smelling salts and ammonia packets can mask concussion symptoms.
Per the league in a memo:
"In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy," the memo stated. "The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. 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."
Because the league is serious about not allowing players to continue playing when they show consussion symptoms, the possibility of masking symptoms goes against that goal.
However, players have been using them for years. Whether they truly increase awareness and energy or simply give players a placebo-like jolt, players believe in them.
However, without them, there will be no more jokes like what Larry Fitzgerald did to reporter Pam Oliver.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: This rule change made George Kittle consider retiring
