Should Chain Gang Officials Be Required To Wear Pads?
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Credit: (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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On Sunday's game between the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Saints, a sideline official was run down on a punt return when Saints receiver Courtney Roby got run out of bounds. Medical officials arrived almost immediately after Roby collided with the official, Al Nastasi Jr. and administered fluids to stabilize him before taking him to the hospital. At last report, Nastasi was listed as stable in the neuro ICU of an undisclosed hospital.
↵To his credit, Roby did not leave the official’s side while he was cared for by the medical personnel on the sidelines, and later called to check on his status. Nastasi’s son, Al Nastasi III, had nothing but praise for the receiver.
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↵"Courtney did call," Nastasi III said. "He exceeded my expectations. Even after he talked to him, he showed up. We can’t say enough about him. I’ll pull for Courtney Roby no matter what uniform he puts on."
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↵You wouldn’t think the sideline could be such a dangerous place, but perhaps you’ll want to suit up with some pads before catching a game from close range.
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