San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was so upset about the NFL’s new ban on smelling salts that he crashed a teammate’s live interview to voice his objections.
NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo shared a screenshot of the memo sent out by the league Tuesday that stated the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee banned the use of ammonia inhalants, also known as smelling salts, from being used before any game and from being seen on the sideline or in locker rooms. The league pointed to a 2024 FDA warning about the usage of smelling salts because they can help mask head injuries such as concussions.
Kittle was upset about the new rule and decided to crash the NFL Network’s “Inside Training Camp” segment that was covering 49ers practice. While 49ers linebacker Fred Warner was being interviewed, Kittle approached the set, asked for a microphone and shared his displeasure about the new rule.
“Honestly, I just came up here to air a grievance,” Kittle said. “Our team had a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL, and I’ve been distraught all day. I considered retirement.”
Even though it sounded as if he was joking about retiring, Kittle said that he’s used smelling salts before every drive he went out on the field. Still, Kittle wants the league to reconsider the measure.
“We’ve got to figure out a middle ground here, guys,” Kittle said. “Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea.”
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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