NFL player George Kittle disheartened due to prohibition of using smelling salts
The National Football League (NFL) has implemented a ban on the use of smelling salts, citing concerns over their potential to mask signs of concussions and the lack of evidence supporting their safety and efficacy.
The ban, which was referenced in a league memo and reported by ESPN, prohibits teams from providing or supplying ammonia in any form on game days. However, players are still allowed to use their own smelling salts if not supplied by the team.
The decision to ban smelling salts comes after a warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024, which highlighted the potential risks associated with the use of these products. The FDA noted that ammonia inhalants can mask neurological symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion, and that there is a lack of evidence supporting their safety or efficacy for improving alertness or energy.
The use of smelling salts has been a common practice in NFL games, with players using them to provide a sudden stimulant effect and boost alertness. However, the NFL's Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting teams from supplying these products during all parts of game-day activities—including pregame, halftime, on sidelines, and in locker rooms—to prevent players from using them as a means to potentially return to play prematurely after head injuries.
One player who has expressed concern about the ban is San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle. Kittle, who has been using smelling salts "on every drive," joked that the ban made him consider retiring from football. During an NFL Network interview at training camp on Tuesday, Kittle expressed his concern about the ban and stated that he has been "distraught all day" as a result.
Despite the ban, it is important to note that the use of smelling salts is not limited to the NFL. Athletes in other sports, such as ice hockey, also use them. However, the potential risks associated with their use remain a concern for health and safety officials.
In summary, the NFL's ban on smelling salts aims to prioritize player health by reducing the risk of concealing concussions and discouraging reliance on unproven stimulants during gameplay. The ban applies to both the field and the locker room on game days, and players are still allowed to use their own smelling salts if not supplied by the team.
- Despite the ban on smelling salts in NFL games, their use is still prevalent in other sports, such as ice hockey.
- The NFL's ban on smelling salts is intended to safeguard player health by mitigating the risk of masking concussions and curbing the reliance on unsubstantiated stimulants during games.
- The San Francisco 49ers tight end, George Kittle, has been vocal about his concerns over the ban on smelling salts, stating that he may even consider retiring from football due to the restriction.
- The National Football League (NFL) prohibits teams from providing or supplying ammonia in any form on game days, but players are permitted to use their own smelling salts if not provided by their team.
