49ers' George Kittle bemoans NFL ban on smelling salts

George Kittle openly criticizes the NFL's decision to ban smelling salts before and during games.

49ers tight end George Kittle reacts to NFL ban on smelling salts

The NFL has banned the use of smelling salts and ammonia packets for all teams during games. This decision was announced in a memo that caught the attention of many players, including San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle. During a live interview, Kittle expressed his disappointment after reading that the league will prohibit the use of ammonia in any form, including during pregame activities and halftime. The ban follows a warning issued by the FDA that raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of ammonia inhalants, particularly regarding their potential to mask signs of concussion.

Kittle's reaction highlights a broader tension within professional sports about player health and performance. While the NFL aims to improve safety protocols, many athletes rely on methods that provide them with a competitive edge. The ban on smelling salts is a response to growing scrutiny about the medical practices in sports, but it also reveals the challenges of balancing player autonomy and health concerns. Kittle’s comedic yet frustrated remarks signal that players may not easily adapt to these new restrictions, underscoring the difficulty of implementing health policies that alter long-standing habits.

Highlights

As the league enforces this ban, players will have to find new ways to enhance their performance during games.