During Friday's game versus Central Michigan, wide receiver Alante Brown was taken off the field on a spine board after suffering an injury on the opening kickoff. He later reentered the game in the first half to return a kickoff before sitting out the second half.
Spartans Illustrated reached out to Michigan State regarding the Alante Brown situation. Here was their response, in full:
Student-athlete medical availability decisions are the purview of MSU Sports Medicine, which is independent of Michigan State Athletics. Following Friday night’s game, Michigan State Director of Athletics Alan Haller requested a full evaluation of the events surrounding Alante Brown’s injury. The evaluation was conducted by Michigan State Director of Athletic Medicine Dr. Jeff Kovan. Dr. Kovan is not part of the on-site medical staff during football games.
Statement from Michigan State Director of Athletic Medicine Dr. Jeff Kovan:
“Following Friday night’s game, I conducted an inquiry of the events around Alante Brown’s injury, subsequent return to the game, and eventual medical removal from the contest. I analyzed the actions and verbal statements from all involved members of the sports medicine staff to ensure accuracy and consistency.
“Initial on-field evaluation of Brown’s injury included a head and neck screen, which prompted spine boarding and precautionary removal to the tunnel. Per all reports, none of the Athletic training staff or physician medical staff had direct vision of the injury when it occurred. Evaluation in the tunnel, while still on the spine board, was negative relative to a neck injury, neurological injury or concussion. Subsequent x-rays were performed in the stadium and were also negative. Repeat examination (for neck injury, neurological injury and concussion) after x-ray continued to be negative. Based on interviews, an isolated replay of the injury was not part of initial sideline video review.
“Based on the negative clinical examination and x-ray, activity progression occurred on an exercise bike on the sideline and Brown remained asymptomatic and therefore was allowed to return to play.
“At halftime, an additional detailed neurological and concussion examination remained negative. At that time, sports medicine staff were able to view the isolated television copy replay of the initial injury. Based on what was viewed, a decision was made to withhold Brown from further play despite continuing to have normal examination for precautionary reasons.
“The following morning, Brown displayed mild concussive symptoms on his repeat examinations. He’s currently doing well and progressing through concussion protocol.
“Moving forward, we will expand our use of video access as a tool to assist our healthcare providers in evaluating injuries and potential return to play.”
Spartans Illustrated reached out to Michigan State regarding the Alante Brown situation. Here was their response, in full:
Student-athlete medical availability decisions are the purview of MSU Sports Medicine, which is independent of Michigan State Athletics. Following Friday night’s game, Michigan State Director of Athletics Alan Haller requested a full evaluation of the events surrounding Alante Brown’s injury. The evaluation was conducted by Michigan State Director of Athletic Medicine Dr. Jeff Kovan. Dr. Kovan is not part of the on-site medical staff during football games.
Statement from Michigan State Director of Athletic Medicine Dr. Jeff Kovan:
“Following Friday night’s game, I conducted an inquiry of the events around Alante Brown’s injury, subsequent return to the game, and eventual medical removal from the contest. I analyzed the actions and verbal statements from all involved members of the sports medicine staff to ensure accuracy and consistency.
“Initial on-field evaluation of Brown’s injury included a head and neck screen, which prompted spine boarding and precautionary removal to the tunnel. Per all reports, none of the Athletic training staff or physician medical staff had direct vision of the injury when it occurred. Evaluation in the tunnel, while still on the spine board, was negative relative to a neck injury, neurological injury or concussion. Subsequent x-rays were performed in the stadium and were also negative. Repeat examination (for neck injury, neurological injury and concussion) after x-ray continued to be negative. Based on interviews, an isolated replay of the injury was not part of initial sideline video review.
“Based on the negative clinical examination and x-ray, activity progression occurred on an exercise bike on the sideline and Brown remained asymptomatic and therefore was allowed to return to play.
“At halftime, an additional detailed neurological and concussion examination remained negative. At that time, sports medicine staff were able to view the isolated television copy replay of the initial injury. Based on what was viewed, a decision was made to withhold Brown from further play despite continuing to have normal examination for precautionary reasons.
“The following morning, Brown displayed mild concussive symptoms on his repeat examinations. He’s currently doing well and progressing through concussion protocol.
“Moving forward, we will expand our use of video access as a tool to assist our healthcare providers in evaluating injuries and potential return to play.”
