NFL asks officials to spot concussions

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- The NFL said Wednesday it will train game officials to recognize concussion symptoms after a San Diego Chargers player had a seizure after a game.

"Our game officials will receive concussion awareness training and will remain alert to possible concussions during games," NFL Senior Vice President of Communications Greg Aiello said in a statement.

San Diego Chargers Lineman Kris Dielman staggered back to the huddle after sustaining a concussion in a collision with New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace during an Oct. 23 contest.

Game officials observed Dielman but he remained in the game. The player later suffering a seizure on the team plane and was hospitalized overnight, The Washington Post reported.

The decision to have officials look for concussion symptoms followed a Tuesday meeting with medical representatives of the league and the NFL Players Association.

"We're not trying to turn (the officials) into doctors," NFLPA Medical Director Thom Mayer told the newspaper. "But in this case the person closest to seeing his reaction was the umpire, and the referee was there as well. We're not blaming anyone."