NFL introduces concussion monitors

NEW YORK, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The NFL said Tuesday independent trainers will be assigned to all games to monitor for concussion symptoms among players.

ESPN reported the league confirmed the trainers will be paid for by the NFL and approved by the players union.

The broadcaster said the move is a direct result of the failure by the Cleveland Browns to administer a sideline concussion test on quarterback Colt McCoy following a hit he sustained from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison in a Dec. 8 game.

Harrison was suspended for one game for the helmet-to-helmet hit. McCoy missed several plays after the incident and returned to the game. He was diagnosed with a concussion the next day.

Team President Mike Holmgren said McCoy didn't display any symptoms after the play but admitted no one from the team's training staff saw the hit because they were busy elsewhere.

League spokesman Greg Aiello told ESPN the new monitors will be stationed in stadium press boxes and will be tasked solely with overseeing the treatment of any possible concussions and communicating with each team's medical staff.