The NFL fined Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams $50,000 after he directed “verbal remarks” and made “inappropriate physical contact” with an independent concussion doctor during his team’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6, according to multiple reports. Here’s what you need to know:
- The incident occurred while teammate Jake Bobo was walking with the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant to be evaluated for a concussion during Sunday’s game, according to CBS Sports.
- Adams previously didn’t face discipline from the NFL after apologizing for his interaction with an independent concussion doctor during a Week 4 game against the New York Giants.
- Adams left that game after taking a knee to the head on the Giants’ opening drive. ESPN’s telecast showed him exchanging words with the doctor on the sideline.
What they’re saying
“There was some exchange that we’re totally regarding and respecting. It’s a league issue so there’s nothing we can do about it,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said regarding Adams’ fine. “But we’re gonna support whatever the league says we gotta do, and I know Jamal will take care of it.”
Carroll added that he didn’t see any video of the latest incident.
Backstory
Adams wrote an apology following the Week 4 incident saying that he was thankful for the doctor’s “patience knowing I wasn’t myself in that moment.” He added: “I want to apologize to the OG. You did everything right when you realized I was concussed, I apologize for any negative energy I brought your way.”
“Watching the replay, I am thankful for your patience knowing I wasn’t myself in that moment,” Adams said on social media. “You’re a real one and you serve a great purpose that benefits the NFL and so many players. Prioritizing player’s health is essential. Much respect to you!”
Prior to the matchup against New York, Adams hadn’t played in a game since tearing the quadriceps tendon in his left leg on Sept. 12, 2022.
In 2020, Adams was a Pro Bowler and his 9 1/2 sacks in 2020 set the single-season record for a defensive back. He’s struggled with multiple injuries throughout his career, including two shoulder surgeries, a groin injury and broken fingers that required surgery.
Required reading
(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)