Thursday's health and safety news from the world of sports:
- Jarrett Bell of USA Today wrote that major injuries make accepting the franchise tag a gamble for some players. He said Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton and Dallas Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer -- both of whom are franchise tag players that suffered season-ending injuries -- are warning signs for other franchise tag players like Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson.
- The Associated Press reported that the National Athletic Trainers Association provided a set of broad guidelines Wednesday that it believes should be universally adopted in an effort to help athletes cope with everything from depression to violence to suicidal thoughts. This is also a focus of NCAA chief medical officer Brian Hainline, who has said not enough attention is being paid to mental health of college athletes.
- The Sporting News said the NFL is using fines over suspensions on player safety rules violations too much this season .
- The Niagara Gazette published a guest column from a concussion specialist who talked to parents about concussion management and evaluation.
-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor