Stricter NFL guidelines on concussions

NEW YORK, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has adopted stricter guidelines for the return of any player who sustained a concussion this season.

Before a decision is made about a player's status, the league's medical committee on concussions, in conjunction with team doctors, outside medical experts, and the NFL Players Association, will be involved in decisions on whether a player returns to the field.

"Once removed for the duration of a practice or game, the player should not be considered for return-to-football activities until he is fully asymptomatic, both at rest and after exertion, has a normal neurological examination, normal neuropsychological testing, and has been cleared to return by both his team physician(s) and the independent neurological consultant," Goodell said Wednesday in a statement.

Among those who have missed games in the past month after concussions are Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Washington running back Clinton Portis, who complained of blurred vision prior to an MRI.