Jamal Adams could be disciplined for his sideline behavior with an independent concussion doctor during the Seahawks’ 24-3 win over the New York Giants, according to a report from ESPN on Wednesday afternoon.
In a clip from ESPN during the game, Adams was seen yelling and gesticulating at the concussion doctor, clearly upset about being taken out of the game because of a concussion.
It was not clear what the disciplinary sanction might entail and whether it would be a fine or a suspension.
Shortly after the report surfaced, Adams apologized on social media platform X.
“First of all, I would like to apologize to the OG. You did everything right when you realized I had a concussion. I apologize for the negative energy I brought towards you.
“As I watch the replay, I am grateful for your patience as I knew I was not myself in that moment. You are a real man and serve a great purpose that benefits the NFL and so many players. The health of the players must come first. Much respect for you.”
The doctor, called an independent neurotrauma consultant, is expected to help team doctors evaluate players for possible concussions.
According to the league’s concussion protocol, UNC is there to help diagnose, but not to make a decision on whether a player can return to action.
The league’s concussion protocol states: “UNC may ask his/her own questions or conduct additional testing and shall assist in the diagnosis and treatment of concussions.” Regardless, the responsibility for diagnosing a concussion and making the decision to return a player lies returned to a game solely at the professional discretion of the team’s chief medical officer or his/her physician responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of a concussion.”
Adams was injured in the ninth game of his first game in 385 days after missing the final 16 games of the 2022 season and the first three of the 2023 season with a torn quad tendon.
He was injured on a play when he was kneed in the head by New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
Coach Pete Carroll later admitted that Adams was upset about being taken out of the game.
“He had a concussion and couldn’t play,” Carroll said. “When all the assessments were completed he was unable to play. Someone said something that wasn’t with us, someone else nearby that he might have responded to. IM not sure.”
Carroll said after the game and on his radio show Tuesday on Seattle Sports 710 that Adams should recover quickly and could potentially play when the Seahawks play at Cincinnati on Oct. 15.
“He’ll be fine,” Carroll said. “It was a frustrating start, but all the work he has done to get here is preparing him for next time and he will be a big part of our work.”
Adams had two tackles in the nine snaps he played, including the play on which he was injured, which came with 10:18 left in the first quarter.
Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or [email protected]; on twitter: @bcondotta. Bob Condotta covers the Seahawks for the Seattle Times. He reports on the team daily throughout the year.