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‘Fire them’: Sickening sight rocks America as ‘lie’ called out

America has watched with horror over an NFL star’s troubling scene. There are calls for heads to roll. WARNING: Distressing content.

less than 2 min read
September 30, 2022 - 2:02PM
Tua Tagovailoa was taken off.
Tua Tagovailoa was taken off.

There are calls for mass employment terminations at the Miami Dolphins over the distressing scene of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa being stretchered off the field.

Near the end of the second quarter of the Dolphins’ “Thursday Night Football” match-up against the Bengals, Tagovailoa was taken off the field on a stretcher with head and neck injuries, The New York Post reports.

Tagovailoa was sacked by Cincinnati defensive lineman Josh Tupou, who whipped him around as he brought him down. Tagovailoa landed directly on his head, which slammed right off the field.

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He was conscious and taken to Cincinnati Medical Centre, a level 1 trauma centre, according to the Amazon Prime broadcast. He has movement in all his extremities, the team announced.

When cameras panned closer to Tagovailoa, who remained in distress on the ground, his fingers could be seen visibly crooked. Play-play-play man Al Michaels and analyst Kirk Herbstreit explained on the broadcast that Tagovailoa’s finger misalignment is likely a response to a neurological shock, likely caused by the extreme blow to his head.

The quarterback's hand locked up.
The quarterback's hand locked up.
Tua Tagovailoa was taken off.
Tua Tagovailoa was taken off.

Just last week, Tagovailoa suffered a similar scary injury during the Dolphins’ win over the Bills. He was driven back on a hit by Buffalo pass rusher Matt Milano, and slammed his head against the ground as he landed. After trying to get up and run a few steps back to the huddle, he collapsed and was helped off the field.

He returned in the second half of that game, however, having passed the NFL’s concussion protocols. That return, and the medical clearance and processes involved in checking for a potential head injury or concussion, prompted controversy and an NFL Players Association investigation.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: Medical staff tend to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins after an injury during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 29, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: Medical staff tend to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins after an injury during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 29, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: Medical staff tend to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins as he is carted off on a stretcher after an injury during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 29, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dylan Buell/Getty Images/AFP
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: Medical staff tend to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins as he is carted off on a stretcher after an injury during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 29, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dylan Buell/Getty Images/AFP

Just four days later, it’s gotten even scarier. Immediately after the hit, the NFL community was outspoken in support of Tagovailoa.

There was plenty of desperate prayers for the 24-year-old, but there has also been furious calls for Dolphins officials to be sacked over the decision allowing Tagovailoa to play.

Commentators speculated the team “lied” to allow him to play — and should pay for it with their jobs.

— with foxsports.com.au

Originally published as ‘Fire them’: Sickening sight rocks America as ‘lie’ called out

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/american-sports/nfl/fire-them-sickening-sight-rocks-america-as-lie-called-out/news-story/c68341d680b4a054bf6f1de8e2871ad0