Latest news with #smellingsalts
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
NFL reveals reasons why smelling salts are banned in 2025
The 2025 season will introduce some new rules and technology to the NFL, but one change in particular has upset one of the league's best tight ends. The San Francisco 49ers' George Kittle interrupted an interview on NFL Network to voice his displeasure over a new rule banning smelling salts. "I honestly just came up here to air a grievance," Kittle said during an episode of "Inside Training Camp Live" featuring teammate Fred Warner. "Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL. And I've been distraught all day." Kittle was especially upset because he uses smelling salts often during NFL games. "I'm an every drive guy," Kittle said. "I considered retirement. We got to figure out a middle ground here guys. Somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea... I miss those already." Jordan Addison suspension: Vikings WR gets three game ban, NFL announces Training camp scuffle: Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts get into joint practice brawl While the NFL did change its smelling salt policy, it did not result in them actually being banned. USA TODAY Sports obtained the league memo and here's what the NFL told teams. NFL statement on smelling salts A league official confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that the teams are now prohibited from providing players smelling salts during games. The official declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. The memo that the NFL sent to teams today read: "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 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. In light of this information, effective for the 2025 NFL season, clubs are prohibited from providing or supplying ammonia in any form at NFL games. For clarity, 'ammonia' refers to ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any form of 'smelling salts.' This prohibition applies to all club personnel (including but not limited to team physicians, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and coaches or other personnel). The prohibition applies through the entirety of all NFL games, including during all pregame activities, and halftime, and applies on the sideline and in stadium locker rooms." However, while NFL teams are no longer allowed to distribute smelling salts, their players are still allowed to use them, as the NFLPA clarified Wednesday. "We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out," the NFLPA wrote in a message to its players, per ESPN. "To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us." Why do NFL players use smelling salts? NFL players have used smelling salts for years. Some players claim it provides them with a pick-me-up or makes them more alert. "The ammonia wakes you up, opens your eyes," DeMarcus Lawrence explained to ESPN in 2017. "You'll be on the bench, you start to get a little tired and you got to wake your body up, and that's what that little ammonia does for you." However, medical opinions vary about whether smelling salts provide those effects or are simply a placebo. Concerns also exist about the ammonia capsules masking severe injuries. That's why many boxing organizations have banned smelling salts and also why the NFL has elected to outlaw its clubs from distributing them ahead of its 2025 season. USA TODAY Sports' Jacob Camenker also contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why the NFL is banning smelling salts for 2025 season
Fox News
18 hours ago
- Health
- Fox News
'First Things First' Cast Uses Smelling Salts On-Air, George Kittle Responds
Smelling salts are the talk of the NFL world this week, as there were previously mixed reports on whether players would be able to use them during games moving forward. Ultimately, the NFLPA informed players that while teams could no longer provide smelling salts for their players, individual players could bring them to the sidelines themselves for use. Want to see how they're used? Well, on Thursday's edition of "First Things First," Nick Wright provided the set with smelling salts, with Wright, Chris Broussard, Kevin Wildes and former NFL wide receiver Greg Jennings all using them. Suffice it to say: it was a struggle. San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle responded to the smelling salts video on X, saying "this is real journalism guys!" Earlier this week, Kittle revealed the smelling salt and ammonia packet ban live on NFL Network. The two-time All-Pro also revealed that he uses smelling salts on every drive during games. Smelling salts and ammonia packets are used to give players a conscious jolt, but they also come with a risk of lung damage, hence the health conversation about their use. As for his contractual future, Kittle signed a four-year, $76.4 million extension with the 49ers in April. Tune into "First Things First" on Friday at 3 p.m. ET to see if the crew tries another substance. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
NFLPA clarifies smelling salts ban, says players can still use them this season after George Kittle's complaints
George Kittle doesn't have to worry about his smelling salts after all. 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. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] 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.
National Post
3 days ago
- Health
- National Post
NFL bans smelling salts, saying product can mask concussion symptoms
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Smelling salts lay on the sidelines during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, Dec. 16, 2023, in Indianapolis. Photo by Zach Bolinger / AP The NFL is banning the use of 'smelling salts' during games, saying the products aren't proven to be safe and also could mask signs of a concussion. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The league sent a memo to teams on Tuesday explaining the decision to ban smelling salts and any other ammonia inhalant during pregame activities, games and halftime on the sideline or locker rooms. '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,' according to the memo obtained by The Associated Press. '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.' San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle first disclosed the ban during an interview with NFL Network on Tuesday, adding that he hoped the league would relent and 'figure out a middle ground.' That won't happen, according to the memo, which explicitly prohibits any club personnel from providing or supplying products such as ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any form of 'smelling salts.' Smelling salts and other similar products have been a staple on NFL sidelines for years with many players believing they can provide a sudden jolt of energy or alertness. This advertisement has not loaded yet.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
49ers TE George Kittle on NFL substance ban: 'i considered retirement'
49ers TE George Kittle on NFL substance ban: 'i considered retirement' originally appeared on The Sporting News It's safe to say San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle is not a fan of the NFL news rules. During a live broadcast of the NFL Network, Kittle interrupted to announce the NFL had banned smelling salts and ammonia packets. The six-time Pro Bowler joked that the ruling nearly ended his career on the spot. 'I considered retirement," Kittle said, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. "We have to figure out a middle ground." The tongue-in-cheek response masks what is obviously an under-the-radar ruling for the league. Smelling salts have been used for decades by players as a way to temporarily enhance alertness and focus. No doubt, the new rule will be a major talking point now that Kittle has spilled the tea. Further, 49ers fans are hopeful smelling salts aren't the secret to Kittle's success. San Francisco traded away Deebo Samuel this offseason and doesn't expect Brandon Aiyuk to be ready for the start of the season. With Jauan Jennings sitting out with a calf injury - and possible contract dispute - and Rickey Pearsall nursing a hamstring, Kittle may be Brock Purdy's go-to pass-catcher early in the year.
