Best Fails Neurological Exam; Out For Season

[RipCity32]

ALLEN PARK -- Jahvid Best, running back for the Detroit Lions, did not pass his neurological tests last week, and it the team does not expect him to play anytime soon.
The move does not come as a surprise considering Best completed his exam last Monday, but Lions coach Jim Schwartz would not reveal the results. According to several sources, Best was never going to be cleared, but the Lions wanted him to accrue another NFL season so the running back could have access to the NFL's pension plan, which is obtained after three years of service.
Here is the statement from Lions general manager Martin Mayhew:

"After today's consultation with medical experts, including representatives from our medical and training staffs, it has been determined that Jahvid will not be permitted to return to play at this time," Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew said.​

"Throughout this entire process we always have placed the highest priority on what is best for Jahvid from a health and safety standpoint," Mayhew continued. "While today's decision is disappointing from a football perspective, we fully and entirely respect and support this recommendation.
"Jahvid will continue to work with our medial and training staffs with the hope that he ultimately will be cleared to return to the playing field."
As of today, it appears unlikely that Best will play in another NFL game.​

Last season, Best missed 11 games after sustaining a season-ending concussion injury against the San Francisco 49ers. It was at least his third concussion in two years.
Detroit made Best a first-round pick in 2010, despite his history of concussions at the University of California. Best rushed for 555 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie, plus had 487 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Last season, Best had 390 rushing yards and two touchdowns, plus 287 receiving yards and one touchdown before his injury.
However, family members have been concerned about Best's long-term health, and have pressured him to retire for months.
Best is slated to earn $645,305 this season, $876,000 in 2013, and $1.1 million in 2014. He received a signing bonus worth $1.6 million in 2010.

Well that certainly sucks. Basically the end of his career :[ Certainly sad to see. Both as a fan, and for Best.


However, Schwartz didn't rule him out returning this season at some point, so IDK.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2012/10/detroit_lions_coach_jim_schwar_56.html#incart_river

 

[Hurricane Season]

I think his career is pretty much over. It should be for his own safety, at least. He's probably one hit to the head away from being a drooling half-wit at this point.

 

[.infamous]

shit sucks. he is one of my favorite players on the team right now. ill always remember his run on mnf.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldR7sCYKC9k

 

[Pugz]

i said a while ago hes career is done and this seems to be it. i wouldn't want him back out there anyways, hes so close to be a veggie, so why risk it. sucks to see someone so young have to go out like this, though, but he needs to.

that now leaves us needing to find a starting running back. wont happen.

 

[.infamous]

You guys aren't giving Mikel a chance to prove himself he's done decent and is still getting use to NFL speed.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Best should just retire.

 

[Pugz]

You guys aren't giving Mikel a chance to prove himself he's done decent and is still getting use to NFL speed.

hes not a starter don't try to sell him as one..

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Is it fair to say they brought him in as the guy to complement Best?

 

[Pugz]

yes, thats why we drafted him. without best he still shouldn't be starting.

 

[.infamous]

i personally think he could be a starting rb. he's had two games already with over 70+ yard iirc. He's only played three games and you are already saying he can't be when he's actually played decent as our starting rb and is getting better each week imo

 

[Pugz]

he can do all the good he wants right now, that doe not mean hes a feature back.

 

[Lake Louise]

i personally think he could be a starting rb. he's had two games already with over 70+ yard iirc. He's only played three games and you are already saying he can't be when he's actually played decent as our starting rb and is getting better each week imo

I think he's getting better each week too. I like what he can do. That being said, I'd be surprised if we didn't pick RB in one of the first couple rounds of the draft. Need a speed back to compliment the power style of Leshoure.

It'd be a good idea for Best to just retire. No reason to risk anything more. His life isn't worth taking the chance. He should look at it as more of being glad that he was able to play some games in the NFL, and even score touchdowns. Not everyone can say that.