NEW YORK, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The NFL has told its officials to eject players who deliver flagrant helmet-to-helmet hits.
The New York Times reported a memo was sent Saturday to all 32 NFL teams.
The move, effective immediately, comes as the league takes steps to ensure players' safety, and cracks down on teams that allow players who have suffered concussions this season to return too quickly.
"Our commissioner and this office remain focused on the safety of our players," wrote the NFL's head of officiating, Mike Pereira, in a memo obtained by the newspaper.
Among players adversely affected by concussions this season are quarterback Trent Green and linebacker Zach Thomas, both of the Miami Dolphins; New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles; and quarterbacks David Carr of Carolina and Matt Schaub of Houston.
Two players, Washington safety LaRon Landry and Philadelphia defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey, were fined because both made hits on players the league determined were in defenseless positions.
