Tua Tagovailoa Deserved Better. Our Athletes Deserve Better

RICHMOND, Va. - Sept. 26, 2022 - PRLog -- Tua Tagovalia is quickly becoming the name to know in the National Football League. Ranked one of the best quarterbacks right now, the 24-year-old Miami Dolphins quarterback has been having the season of his life. On September 25^th, during a game against the Buffalo Bills, the teams were tied 14-14. Right before halftime, Tua was hit by a Bills defensive lineman. During this hit, Tua's head snapped back and slammed into the ground.

As Tua stood up from this hit, he was seen shaking his head, "shaking off the cobwebs," as some athletes have called it. He manages to take a few steps before completely losing his balance. Two of his teammates came over to help him. That's when a member of the coaching staff came up and walked him back to the locker room.

During halftime, Tua was alleged to have been evaluated with the NFL's Concussion Protocol. Despite "gross motor instability," an indication he should not be allowed to return to the game that day, he did just that after halftime. The team's staff later reported this was a lower back injury, not a head injury.

The Brain Injury Association of Virginia's (BIAV) Executive Director, Anne McDonnell, was completely shocked at the team's decision. "Apparently, the concussion protocol rules are more light guidance than law, as evidenced by the poor decisions of the quarterback, the athletic trainers, coaches and owners in allowing him to return to play."

It wasn't a lower back injury.

It was a concussion.

Tua Tagovailoa deserved better.

Our athletes deserve better.

Don't just walk it off.

The BIAV is calling on the NFL to listen to the experts, and take injuries to the head seriously. We support the National Football League's Players' Association for investigating the team's decision. BIAV sends our love to Tua Tagovailoa and hopes for a full recovery.

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About The Brain Injury Association of Virginia: The Brain Injury Association of Virginia is the primary source of information and personal support for thousands of individuals, families, and professionals living in Virginia whose lives have been touched by a life‐altering, often devastating brain injury. The mission of the Association is to advance education, awareness, support, treatment and research to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. For more information visit www.biav.net.