Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester demands answers from Roger Goodell regarding Jalen Hurts situation

The NFL and Eagles are hoping to run out of time on the Jalen Hurts situation, hoping that the media and fans will turn their attention to the next story that grabs our collective attention.

This may not be easy, as the issue has captured the attention of Congress.

Via ESPN’s Tim McManus, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) sent a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell with specific questions on how the Eagles and the league dealt with Hurts’ blood clots:

“1. Does the NFL have a league-wide protocol for the detection, prevention and treatment of (deep vein thrombosis) and (pulmonary embolism)? What medical guidelines were consulted in developing this protocol?

“2. What standards and processes govern the clearance of a player to participate when a clot is suspected or diagnosed? Does the NFL have a league-wide return to participation protocol?”

“3. What training is provided to players, athletic trainers and trainers on how to identify the signs and symptoms of DVT and PE?

“4. What specific measures has the League put in place to reduce the risk of blood clots, including but not limited to those associated with long flights?

“5. Will the League conduct a thorough review of how the Eagles handled this specific situation, including who allowed Mr. Hurts to play after staying awake overnight, and authorized subsequent air travel on a transatlantic flight back to the United States from London? If so, what is the timeline?”

Someone should also ask whether the league will implement a protocol for blood clots and other potentially serious health issues, similar to the procedures used to diagnose concussions and clear players to return to play. The league has used an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant in such situations for 17 years, to counter the inherent biases of doctors hired by various teams.

The NFL Players Association has requested a full investigation. Under the collective agreement, he has the absolute right to initiate one. Congress, with its powers to oversee an industry that benefits from a federal broadcasting antitrust exemption, also has the ability to investigate.

Given the league’s efforts to sweep this one under the rug and move on, anyone with the power to force the NFL to answer for the Hurts situation should absolutely do so.