New Orleans Saints Scott Fujita

New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita is glad to see the NFL changing its concussion policies. Why? Because he figures the league is finally getting around to saving players from themselves.

“You almost have to take it out of the players’ hands, because we’re not going to make the most responsible decision,” Fujita said. “If I was in that situation in a playoff game, and I was kind of dinged and not functioning very well on the sideline, I’d like to think that someone might look out for my best interest. Because I don’t think I’d do that for myself.”

In dozens of interviews this week with The Associated Press, players voiced nearly unanimous support for the league’s latest moves on head injuries. Like Fujita, they’re grateful to have extra eyes looking out for them — and relieved to have a buffer against peer pressure not to miss games or practices.

Put another way: With league- and union-approved independent neurologists now assigned to all 32 clubs, and stricter return-to-play guidelines instituted Wednesday, players hope teammates will be less likely to question their tenacity when they’re kept on the sideline with a concussion. As Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure put it: “If you come out (of a game), you’re seen as ‘soft.’ That’s the way it is. I think any type of protection like that to keep a guy out for a game would be big.”

Nearly 20 percent of the 160 NFL players surveyed Nov. 2-15 by the AP replied that they have hidden or played down the effects of a concussion.

Half of that group said they’ve had at least one concussion playing football; 61 said they missed playing time because a head injury.

HELP FOR SAMOA — A pair of former NFL players of Samoan descent finished a trip this week to American Samoa, where they helped with tsunami recovery efforts and handed over a check for $50,000 from the league and players association.

Reno Mahe and Gabe Reid both said they were impressed with the resourcefulness of residents in rebuilding from the September tsunami, which killed more than 200 people in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. “It’s devastating, people’s houses are all gone,” said Mahe, a former running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. “These people don’t take anything for granted, they’re right back out there rebuilding. … It makes you proud of where you come from, and who you are.”

EXTRA POINTS — Chicago Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs is doubtful for the Bears’ game against St. Louis Rams, and left tackle Orlando Pace likely won’t play. … Mark Sanchez’s headfirst dive gave the New York Jets a big first down — and a huge scare. But “The Sanchise” wasn’t seriously hurt and might play in New York’s next game after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Sanchez will wear a brace to stabilize the knee against Tampa Bay on Dec. 13. … Houston defensive end Antonio Smith was fined $12,500 for a hit on Indianapolis tight end Dallas Clark. … New York Jets safety Kerry Rhodes was fined $5,000 for throwing a ball into the stands following an interception against Carolina.

SUPERSTITIOUS SUPERMAN — Since his days in Pop Warner, Maurice Jones-Drew has donned a Superman T-shirt under his uniform. It was his grandfather’s idea way back when. Jones-Drew has gone through only four of them this entire time. “It’s one of those, I wouldn’t say superstitions, but it’s just part of my routine,” he said. “My grandfather was just like, ‘You got to do something different.’ … So that’s pretty much what I did from 8 years old till now.”

The Associated Press

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