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Report: Watt’s cut could lead NFL to adopt blood rule

Double Barrel

Double Barrel

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Report: Watt’s cut could lead NFL to adopt blood rule

J.J. Watt’s bloody face from Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks could end up being one of the most memorable images of the NFL season.

It also could lead to a new rule.

According to a Pro Football Talk report, the league may institute a rule that requires players to leave the game when they’re bleeding.

Watt suffered a cut to the bridge of his nose after tackling Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson during the third quarter. After the play, the Texans defensive end removed his helmet to reveal a face full of blood — a sight that cameras quickly picked up on. Watt continued to play with blood gushing from his nose.

His postgame explanation for the cut was funny: “I hit people for a living.” But former head of officiating Mike Pereira tells PFT that the image of Watt bleeding could force the league’s Competition Committee to take a serious look at a rule change.

“The NFL does not have a blood rule,” Pereira said. “Hockey has it, college football has it, the NBA has it: If you have blood on your person you’re asked to leave the game and it has to be stopped and your uniform cleaned up. Should the NFL have a blood rule? I think they should. In this day and age of infectious diseases it makes sense, and that’s exactly why all the other sports have gone in that direction. . . . I’d bet you that they address it in the offseason, especially after seeing J.J. Watt.”

Source
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Eh, I kinda blow this off due to coming from Mike Pereira and PFT. They speculate and they're wrong half the time anyway.

However, your overall point (picture) remains true
 
The reason the NBA and NHL have a blood rule is because they are playing on slippery surfaces made worse by moisture, aka blood
 
Brandon420tx said:
The reason the NBA and NHL have a blood rule is because they are playing on slippery surfaces made worse by moisture, aka blood
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Also Magic Johnson had the HIV virus and still played in some NBA games late in his career? What would the NFL do if an openly HIV positive player was playing and they still didn't have a rule in place? I personally think it's ridiculous that a rule isn't already in place.
 
Bulls on Parade said:
Also Magic Johnson had the HIV virus and still played in some NBA games late in his career? What would the NFL do if an openly HIV positive player was playing and they still didn't have a rule in place? I personally think it's ridiculous that a rule isn't already in place.
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This. I rarely agree with these kind of things, but this one I do. Just think of how many guys in the NFL have diseases they could transmit to other players.

The NFL will probably make a rule change. However, my problem is the NFL will make a ruling based on image (oh no, blood on TV!), not player safety. As usual.
 
This...this is why I think Condaleeza Rice should have been made commissoner of the NFL rather than Godell's punk ass. If you're bleeding you have to leave? It's FOOTBALL damn it! If some a-hole gives you a cheap shot and you're bleeding but WANT to go back in...go back in. This is SUPPOSED to be a MAN'S GAME! IESVS GODELL! Get your ISHT together.
 
Fine. You want a blood rule? Then let the players wear the new, more protective face masks. Goodell blocked their use this offseason.
 
Corrosion said:
Yeah , the whole damn game has changed ... cant hit anyone anymore. Game is run by $$$ now , not the men who played it before.
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The sad part is that the NFL was built on images by NFL Films showing the brutality of the sport.

We grew up watching those films that celebrated hard hits and dudes giving blood, sweat, and tears for the game.

Who can forget this picture of Y.A. Tittle

[IMGwidthsize=400]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_anqVy8b414Q/TRAjVlHZYnI/AAAAAAAADm8/5A1Q9ODFK80/s1600/9787.jpg[/IMG]

Or the famous picture of Dick Butkus' bloody hands, here painted into a piece of ART:

Butkus%20hands%2009.jpg


Now the league is so worried about image because of corporate sponsors that they wring their hands over sock height, untucked uniforms, and other irrelevant nonsense.

Yeah, they will end up passing a blood rule, justifying it because of infectious diseases, but the reality will be due to image.
 
robroy72 said:
This is the injury that led to Soccer having a blood rule, if I remember right!

Terry-Butcher-006.jpg
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No, not specifically. But it was a memorable occasion. Terry butcher in a wc qualifying game against Sweden. He got cut, had stitched and went back in. He plays in central defence and kept heading out the ball as was his role. The wound reopened and the photos were amazing, the white England shirt making it more memorable.

There's an even more iconic shot with him all wild eyed out there.

Edit: found it!

5egusuha.jpg
 
The NFL's present policy, for anyone interested.

2011 POLICIES FOR NFL PLAYERS

AIDS and HIV

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus the AIDS virus) continue to be important public health issues. Although there is yet no cure for AIDS, many medications are available that slow the progress of the disease. The NFL developed its HIV/AIDS policy based on medical and scientific evidence provided by the Centers for Disease Control and other agencies. Highlights of the policy are summarized below.

HIV-Infected players are not excluded from participation in the NFL. A player with HIV, in consultation with his physician, must make a personal medical decision concerning his participation in the NFL and other activities.

There is no routine testing for AIDS and HIV conducted by the NFL. Additionally, NFL Clubs may only administer an HIV test with the player’s prior, voluntary consent and any such test must be in accordance with applicable state laws.

NFL Clubs will take appropriate precautions and follow universal healthcare procedures to reduce the risk of transmission of illnesses (e.g., Hepatitis B).

The Americans with Disabilities Act and various state laws protect against the acquisition and/or use by employers of information regarding an HIV/AIDS diagnosis.

NFL Clubs are encouraged to advise players and other employees how to obtain private and confidential HIV testing and counseling.
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As an aside, I fail to see how NFL clubs can maintain "universal healthcare precautions," which specifically include preventative use of hand hygiene, use of gloves, gown, mask, eye protection, or face shield.:cool:
 
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