NFL welcomes review of Eagles-Hurts ordeal
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NEW YORK -- The NFL welcomes an investigation into the Philadelphia Eagles' handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clots after the players' union asked for one, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday.
Goodell said in his news conference at the end of the NFL's annual fall meeting that Dr. Allen Sills, the league's chief medical officer, has gone through the steps that were followed and added that the union had a right to call for a review.
"Obviously, there was a medical evaluation, and I think our protocols were incredibly good there," Goodell said. "The protocols were followed. Our process is to make sure that's the case, and our chief medical officer has gone through that, so we're comfortable that what we've seen in the protocols have happened."
Sills on Tuesday offered a passionate defense of the Eagles medical staff. The NFL said officials were in touch with team doctors and trainers, as well as the Cleveland Clinic in London, where the Eagles were playing the Jaguars on Oct. 11.
League executive vice president Jeff Miller said officials had a good sense of the course of events, which included Hurts being evaluated at a hospital the day before the game. Miller disputed a report that Hurts was awake for more than 30 hours before playing against Jacksonville, saying that the 28-year-old returned to the hotel and slept for roughly seven or eight hours.
Hurts is on injured reserve and expected to miss the rest of the season after a blood clot in his left calf traveled to his lungs. The Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn said Monday that Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli.
His treatment involves blood thinners, and Hurts will not be allowed to participate in any football activities until he is off them.
Goodell downplayed the role that international travel may have had in the situation.
"The most important thing here is Jalen's health, ultimately, and the future of him," Goodell said. "He's a wonderful young man: not just a great player, but he's someone we all care deeply about. I'm more worried about his health, ultimately, but the protocols were followed."
Sills said Tuesday the decision to allow someone with a blood clot to fly depends on several variables, including the location, a patient's history and more.
"What I can tell you is expert people getting a lot of opinions," Sills said. "This isn't just one doctor saying yay or nay. You're going to poll a panel of experts both within the team and outside the team to get the best judgment and experience with a particular condition."
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