Seahawks safety: Jamal Adams was fined $50,000 for encouraging “verbal comments” and “inappropriate physical contact” with an independent concussion doctor during an examination of receiver Jake Bobo in Sunday’s game at Cincinnati, a source confirmed the league told the Seattle Times.
CBSSports.com first reported the fine.
The incident against the Bengals occurred in the Seahawks’ first game after Adams suffered a concussion against the New York Giants on October 2 and argued with the independent neurotrauma consultant (UNC) when it was determined he was out of the game had been excluded.
The league considered disciplining Adams for the incident against the Giants, but did not do so.
As CBSSports.com first revealed Friday morning, the league determined this week that Adams “interfered with the proper conduct of the game” against the Bengals when UNC went to the blue medical tent with Bobo to be evaluated for a concussion.
Bobo suffered a hard hit from Bengals safety Dax Hill after a 20-yard pass reception with about four minutes left in the third quarter of Sunday’s eventual 17-13 loss.
The league reviewed tape of the incident before issuing the fine.
Adams could not be reached for comment after practice Friday afternoon.
Coach Pete Carroll said he had not seen the video and would not elaborate on the incident other than to say the team respected the league’s decision.
“There was an exchange there that we fully respect and respect,” Carroll said. “But it’s a league problem so we can’t do anything about it no matter what. But we will support whatever the league asks of us and I know Jamal will take care of it.”
What appears to be part of the interaction that led to the fine can be seen at about 5:20 of an all-access video review of the game posted by the Seahawks on YouTube.
Adams can be heard screaming, “He’s good, he’s good, he’s good,” as Bobo is transported to the blue medical tent for evaluation, although there is no evidence of physical contact in this short clip.
Bobo was not diagnosed with a concussion and returned to the game.
The league, after an investigation and after Adams apologized on the social media platform X, decided to take action against Adams for his interactions with UNC in the Giants game.
A source confirmed that the league fined Adams solely for his actions in the Bengals game and did not take his actions in the Giants game into account.
The fine did not take into account another incident Adams had with a concussion seeker while playing for the Jets in 2019.
With about a minute left in the game against the Dolphins, a concussion monitor forced Adams to go to the locker room to be examined.
Adams told the New York Post he was upset about having to leave the game. He was not diagnosed with a concussion in a game the Jets lost 26-18.
“I was upset because what if this was a crucial part of the game for where we are and they take me out and I’m fine,” Adams said after the 2019 game. “I told them I was good.
“I just made a sack. I just made a tackle for a loss. I was fine, but they said I was hit in the head. They called and wanted to see me. This is really frustrating, man, because this is really crucial. I want to be out there with my brothers. Whether they win, lose or draw, I want to fight with them. I was upset about it.”
UNCs are tasked with helping team doctors evaluate possible concussions, but as stated in the league’s concussion protocol, the final decision on whether players can return rests with team doctors and coaches.
Adams apologized after the Giants game, shortly after it was announced that he was facing disciplinary action.
“First and foremost, I want to apologize to the OG,” Adams wrote. “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.”
Adams was injured on a play when he was hit in the helmet by Giants quarterback Daniel Jones’ knee in the first quarter and had to leave the game after just nine snaps.
Carroll said after the Giants game that Adams was frustrated that he couldn’t continue playing in his first game since Sept. 12, 2022.
“He was devastated about it because he just wanted to keep playing,” Carroll said on his radio show on Seattle Sports 710 later that week.
Adams was cleared from the concussion protocol on Thursday before the Bengals’ game and played 46 of a possible 54 snaps.
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.