Home / Sports / NFL's Smelling Salts Ban Sparks Debate on Player Safety
NFL's Smelling Salts Ban Sparks Debate on Player Safety
8 Aug
Summary
- NFL bans teams from distributing smelling salts, but players can still use them
- Concerns raised about masking concussion symptoms and league's commitment to player health
- Rockies projected to remain one of the worst teams in 2025 despite any short-term improvements
As of August 9th, 2025, the NFL has faced criticism for its handling of the smelling salts issue. The league recently banned teams from distributing ammonia inhalants (AIs) like smelling salts, citing potential side effects such as seizures, migraines, and fainting. However, the NFL Players Association has clarified that players can still use AIs if they provide their own supply, leading to concerns about the league's true commitment to player safety.
This move comes in the wake of the NFL's $765 million settlement in 2015 with over 4,500 players who alleged the league dismissed the dangers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to football. Many of the payouts designed to help players have since been challenged, with the league using medical loopholes to avoid covering costs.
Experts argue that the continued use of AIs could mask signs of concussion, putting players at risk of further head injuries. Some former players, like Super Bowl 50 champion Tyler Polumbus, have criticized the league's "hypocritical" stance, stating that if the data shows AIs are harmful, the NFL should ban them entirely.
In a separate matter, the article warns Rockies fans not to be fooled by any temporary improvements in the team's performance over the next two months. According to the report, the Rockies' run differential "screams for a complete front office overhaul," and they remain in contention for being one of the worst teams in 2025.
