So what happens now when NFL players are seriously injured during a game?

[milestogo]

Last year a big game was suspended because Damar Hamlin's heart stopped after a play. This was entirely appropriate.

In the 2023 pre-season two games were suspended after players were injured. It happened in the Dolphins-Jaguars game and in the Packers-Patriots game. When a player is seriously injured and the game doesn't really "count" this is not a hard call to make.

But what happens now, during the regular season? Its great that priorities are on the players health and well-being, BUT this is big league entertainment. Fans, players, and sponsors are going to get pretty bent out of shape if a game is suspended five minutes into the first quarter because of a serious injury.

So what happens now? Are they going to suspend the game every time a player is seriously injured?

[multigraincracker]

1. How about the

Super Bowl?

[Shermann]

2. Immediate switch to commercial

Studies have shown that a long commercial break following a serious injury creates a suspenseful, dramatic pause that keeps the viewers focused on the television and a windfall of sweet advertising revenue streaming in. That beats a three and out any day!

[Ponietz]

3. Same issue with Erickson's collapse at Euro 2021 v. Finland

UEFA wrongly continued the game after a delay of hours. Heavily favored Denmark, in shock, lost 1-0.

[LisaM]

5. That was awful.

IIRC, Erikson wanted the match to continue. But that was a difficult thing to watch.

Erikson is back playing now.

[Auggie]

4. I think it has to be life-threatening ...

cardiac arrest would qualify, I think. A spinal injury and/or risk of paralysis, not.