ESPN has been accused of trying to cover up Mike Evans’ injury following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver suffering a concussion and broken collarbone after trying to make a catch against the Detroit Lions on Monday night.
Evans attempted to bring down quarterback Baker Mayfield’s pass while being covered by Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and hit the ground hard, getting knocked out cold and remaining motionless for some time.
Slowed-down footage showed him going limp after his body made contact with the ground.
The veteran WR eventually walked off the field and was carted to the locker room. While he remained alert, it did appear that he was struggling to.
According to ESPN, doctors checked the player’s shoulder but not his head. Even more bizarre was that they brought in rules analyst Russell Yurk to analyze the play instead of discussing the injury.
“In that situation, he starts losing control right when he hits the ground, and then he never regains control, and it eventually pops out,” Yurk said. “That is an incomplete pass.”
Fans Needed Answers After ESPN’s Curious Coverage Of Mike Evans’ Injury
Fans were confused, having observed that the wideout was clearly hurt while ESPN attempted to downplay the severity.
“Mike Evans gets hurt and ESPN decided to bring in their rules analyst to explain how that’s not a catch,” someone posted to X.
“Why was ESPN trying to cover up Mike Evans concussion🧐,” another asked.
Others were critical of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman’s assessment.
“[Mike Evans so concussed he floats to the sideline like a cartoon mouse that smells cheese] Troy Aikman: “Tough to say what’s wrong with him,” a user shared.
“*Mike Evans obliterates his shoulder* Aikman & Buck : “who knows wha the injury is. Could be anything” That AC joint is gone,” another echoed.
“Worth listening to the broadcasters strain to avoid suggesting a possible concussion,’ he wrote. ‘Gentlemen. hamstring & shoulder injuries don’t make you lie COMPLETELY still like you are unconscious…” another post read.
Evans was later ruled out with a concussion and a shoulder injury.
The Bucs have since confirmed that he broke his collarbone and will miss significant time, possibly the remainder of the season.
