NFL Considering Mandatory Heart Tests

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 26, 2010 6:40PM

In the wake of Gaines Adams' death last week of an enlarged heart, the NFL is considering echocardiogram tests for all players. The NFL's Cardiovascular Committee began discussing the possibility of mandatory heart tests last week to help detect issues like the enlarged heart that ultimately led to Adams' death. Testing could begin as soon as next month's draft combine.

NFL Players' Association medical director Thomas Mayer confirmed that the medical examiner who performed Adams' autopsy stated that an echocardiogram would have detected his condition. The league itself seems to finally understand the importance of their players' long term health, such as the new concussion guidelines. But will players submit to a test that might sideline them or drop their draft status? Are they so focused on the present to deny there might be an issue with such severe consequences down the road?

It's similar to the issue the Bulls have with Eddy Curry a few years ago, when a heart murmur sent him to the bench for the playoffs and the team wanted Curry to take a DNA test before clearing him to play. When he refused the test and GM John Paxson refused to clear him to play without it, the team ultimately traded him to the New York Knicks. If the NFL tests players and finds problems, what would they do to protect these players? We can foresee the NFLPA fighting something that might save lives but cost careers.