Investigations conducted by the NFL and NFL Players Association regarding the handling of Cam Newton following a late helmet-to-helmet hit in the season opener could be wrapped up this week.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on* NFL *GameDay First that the key interviews with Panthers staff, medical personnel and unaffiliated personnel have been completed.
"I'm told they're both well underway, specifically NFL officials have spoken with Carolina Panthers people, medical people who were on the scene as well as unaffiliated observers including these spotters who were on the scene and who did request video to make sure Cam Newton was okay and then eventually make the decision that he should stay in the game," Rapoport said.
"I'm told this is a thorough review that does include scanning all the video evidence," Rapoport continued. "Now, Cam Newton has not been interviewed yet. That may happen. It may not necessarily happen because this really is about the process. But what we know, expected to be done fairly soon, potentially even early this week. The other key part, Cam Newton has still not shown any signs of showing a concussion."
Newton was hit helmet-to-helmet several times in the Week 1 tussle with the Denver Broncos. Only the final hit to Newton's head by safety Darian Stewart drew a flag. Rapoport reported last week that the team physicians reviewed video of the play. Newton did not miss a snap after the hit.
Stewart and Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshallwere both fined for helmet-to-helmet hits on Newton. Dean Blandino, NFL vice president of officiating, admitted Marshall's head shot on Newton should have been flagged.
Former NFL coach and current NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci is a member of the NFL's Player Safety Advisory Panel, and said last week on NFL GameDay Morningthe group will discuss how seriously helmet-to-helmet hits are taken by officials.
