Empowering Change: NWSL Players Demand Action Following King’s Collapse

The recent match between Angel City FC and the Utah Royals took a shocking turn when Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field. After nearly 10 minutes of medical care, the game continued, raising serious concerns about player safety protocols in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Savy was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles and later had surgery for a heart abnormality. Thankfully, her prognosis looks promising. But the incident ignited a heated discussion. The NWSL Players Association argued that when a player’s health is at risk, the game should pause, emphasizing that life-saving measures should take priority.

Players from both teams were visibly shaken. After the match, they gathered to show support, with many saying the game should not have resumed. Star player Trinity Rodman voiced her feelings on social media, stating, “In no world should that game have continued.”

The NWSL stated that their protocols were followed during the incident, although they did not specify what those protocols entail. This lack of clarity has been troubling for fans and players alike. The league has committed to re-evaluating its procedures to enhance player safety.

Player safety in sports is becoming more critical than ever. A recent study shows that athletes are more likely to face serious injuries when proper protocols aren’t followed. In contact sports like soccer, where the pace is fast and the stakes are high, ensuring player well-being is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game.

This incident also resonates with similar occurrences across sports. For instance, during an NFL game in 2023, the medical staff faced scrutiny for their handling of a player’s collapse. The ongoing dialogue emphasizes that no game is worth risking someone’s life.

As we reflect on events like this, it becomes clear that sports leagues must prioritize human life over competition. The commitment to adjust and prioritize player safety is an urgent demand from fans and athletes alike.

You can read more about player safety protocols in sports here: [National Institute of Sports Safety](https://www.niss.org/). Let’s hope that these lessons lead to better guidelines to protect players on the field in the future.

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