League, union examine handling of McCoy’s concussion

An investigation by the NFL and Players Association into the Cleveland Browns’ handling of Colt McCoy’s concussion could lead to changes in the league’s medical procedures and protocol on head injuries.

McCoy suffered a concussion when he was hit last week by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison, who was suspended for one game for the helmet-to-helmet hit, his fifth illegal one on a quarterback in the past three seasons. McCoy was off the field for less than 4 minutes after the hit.

Medical representatives from the league and NFLPA met Tuesday with the Browns’ medical staff and discussed the team’s response and treatment of McCoy’s injury, which may have exposed some previously unaddressed issues tied to concussion policies.

League spokesman Greg Aiello said any findings from the meeting will be reviewed by commissioner Roger Goodell. Members of the league’s committee on head, neck and spine injuries will be consulted.

Meanwhile, agent Bill Parise said Harrison has already filed an appeal and expects it to be heard later this week by Art Shell or Ted Cottrell, jointly appointed by the NFL and the players’ association to hear such cases.

Sparano’s firing surprised Dolphins

A number of key Miami Dolphins players expressed their surprise that coach Tony Sparano was fired with only three games remaining in the season.

Chad Henne, Will Allen, Davone Bess, Dan Carpenter, Brian Hartline and Brandon Fields spoke with the media about the firing.

Sparano was told he was being let go on Monday. In his almost four years as Dolphins coach, Sparano went 29-32. But this season the Dolphins were 0-7 before they went on a four-game winning streak.

“It’s like losing a family member,” defensive back Allen said. “Obviously, everybody in our business understands the nature of it. We’re graded on wins and losses …”

Kansas City GM shoulders blame

Scott Pioli spoke quietly and carefully, not at all like his reputation might suggest. He had just fired coach Todd Haley after a miserable 5-8 start, leaving the Chiefs’ general manager to explain the organization’s failures.

Pioli pointed his finger right at himself.

“We have a locker room that has talent. We also have a good makeup of character in that locker room,” Pioli said, “but it’s abundantly clear that we’re not in a spot we need to be with our record where it is and our team in a position it is. I need to do a better job.”