George Kittle Unhappy After NFL Bans Smelling Salts and Ammonia

The Iowa Hawkeyes alum said it in his usual joking manner. But to do that, he crashed teammate Fred Warner‘s interview with the NFL Network. For someone who has been using smelling salts regularly, this came as a setback.

George Kittle and his peers cannot use smelling salts anymore

Smelling salts are widely used in many sports leagues. It has become a go-to stimulant for players who want to give their senses a jolt. However, the FDA had shared data with the NFL on what those stimulants do, and that led the league to issue a league-wide memo.

The FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AI), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety of efficacy of AIs marked for improving mental alertness or boosting energy.

Excerpt from the Memo the NFL sent out to teams

Based on this information, the league has now banned teams from supplying ammonia inhalers or smelling salts in any form. This ban is applicable throughout game days, which effectively should bring an end to those stimulants.

As per George Kittle’s words, he hoped for there to be a middle ground where athletes could still use smelling salts in some fashion. However, the league took this decision based on a concern that it masks concussions.

NFL hoping to avoid concussion risks by banning smelling salts

Last season, there was an incident when Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen‘s head hit the turf. He was taken off the field, but was back on the next play. Video footage later revealed that he sniffed smelling salts, which helped him return that quickly.

Fans asked if it was ethical, considering such an impact to the head would usually result in a check-up with the NFL’s concussion protocol team. But it did not happen, and fans believe those smelling salts helped Allen avoid that.

It is not as if the league specifically looked into that incident, but their statement sheds light on one of the reasons why ammonia inhalants or smelling salts are being banned.

AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion. As a result, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL.

The memo said

If anything, the league is doing its part in trying to minimize concussion-related diseases, most notably CTE. It is unknown if last week’s CTE-driven horror played any hand in this decision.