‘Unbelievable cowardice’: NFL slammed for ‘garbage’ restart call after shock collapse

The NFL has been torn to shreds after the league initially tried to restart the Bills vs Bengals game after Damar Hamlin’s on-field collapse.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 02: Buffalo Bills players react after teammate Damar Hamlin #3 was injured against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium on January 02, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

The NFL has been roundly slammed for initially attempting to restart the game between Cincinnati and Buffalo after Damar Hamlin’s on-field collapse.

Hamlin made a routine tackle on Bengals star Tee Higgins with the two appearing to clash helmets in the hit.

The 24-year-old got back to his feet momentarily before stumbling and falling flat onto his back on the turf.

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Scary scenes unfolded as emergency services rushed onto the field before CPR was administered and then oxygen was given to Hamlin.

He was taken to a local hospital and is in a critical condition.

Hamlin’s marketing rep said: “His vitals are back to normal and they have put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat. They are currently running tests. We will provide updates as we have them.”

The incident occurred during the first quarter of the much-anticipated match between the Bengals and Bills on prime time Monday Night Football.

Buffalo Bills players react after teammate Damar Hamlin was injured against the Cincinnati Bengals. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

The clash between the two Super Bowl contenders was suspended and eventually postponed, but only after a lengthy delay where the NFL appeared eager to continue the game and have a result.

ESPN commentator Joe Buck said officials gave each team a five-minute warm-up before play would be resumed, despite the shocking scenes with players in tears and praying for Hamlin’s health.

When the two teams were informed of the NFL’s decision, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walked over to Bills head coach Sean McDermott and they decided to send their teams to their locker rooms.

Taylor and McDermott were then seen on the phone, reportedly with senior NFL officials, before the decision was eventually made an hour later to postpone the match.

Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills and head coach Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals speak during the suspension of their game following the injury of Damar Hamlin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The fact the NFL was even willing to consider restarting and playing the game after Hamlin’s shocking collapse was met with anger and disbelief by fans.

“Possible (even likely) that Zac Taylor and Sean McDermott saved the NFL from itself tonight,” ESPN’s Kevin Van Valkenburg wrote.

Per Joe Buck, once officials gave each team 5 minutes to warm up before resuming play, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walked across the field and consulted Bills HC Sean McDermott. Both coaches then sent their teams to their respective locker rooms. Such a classy move by Taylor.

— Paxton Boyd (@paxton) January 3, 2023

Imagine a coworker/friend of yours needed CPR for 9 minutes in your office and then after your boss was like - take 5 minutes, everyone. and then get back to work.

That's basically what the NFL just tried to do. Total garbage.

— Andy Nesbitt (@anezbitt) January 3, 2023

The fact the NFL’s initial reaction was “you have 5 minutes to get ready” says so much. That’s so beyond cruel. Thankfully the teams stepped in because of all the awful decisions the NFL makes, that’s one of the worst and most egregious I’ve seen.

— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) January 3, 2023

Whenever the league talks about player safety we should all remember that the NFL tried to make the players warm up for five minutes and restart this game before the coaches stepped in

— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) January 3, 2023

If I’m Sean McDermott I’m taking the team to the hospital. The NFL can do whatever they want.

— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) January 3, 2023

You’re watching equipment people pack up and leave this game before the NFL has the courage to cancel a game after someone might have died on the field. Unbelievable cowardice.

— Patrick Klepek (@patrickklepek) January 3, 2023

It should not have taken an hour-plus to postpone that game.

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) January 3, 2023

I hope when you write it you point out that the teams clearly made the decision. Not the NFL.

— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) January 3, 2023

Possible (even likely) that Zach Taylor and Sean McDermott saved the NFL from itself tonight. https://t.co/7C9V9i9QbO

— Kevin Van Valkenburg (@KVanValkenburg) January 3, 2023

NFL only suspended this game after trying to restart it with a five minute warm up, which both teams refused to do. Don’t forget that.

— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) January 3, 2023

“Tonight’s Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced,” the NFL said in a statement.

“Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.

“Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

“The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game.”