Sergio Kindle (helmet equipped w/ microphone)

[organizedchaos007]

NFL.com article about plans for the Ravens to explore possiblities of a helmet equipped with a microphone for Sergio Kindle and his hearing loss in his left ear. The helmet will allow him to hear his defensive teamates before and during plays. The league strictly prohibits more than 1 player on either side of the ball to have a headset linked to the coaches, but is there a way the NFL will allow all defensive players to have helmet communication throughout each play. Every way I have thought about this, it almost seems impossible, unless the league allowed this for every team, which in actuality would revolutionize the defenses ability to keep up with modern day offenses. With all that being said, something similar was implimented in the past by Vince Lombardi. Here is the article. Thoughts on this anyone?

[url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000046153/article/ravens-sergio-kindle-might-wear-helmet-with-mic"]http://www.nfl.com/n...helmet-with-mic[/url]

[BmoreRav]

Like the article says, if it's there just to aid his hearing on the field and not linked to any of the coaches on the sidelines, I can't see why it would break any rules. It would be great if we could get something like this approved!

[organizedchaos007]

[quote name='BmoreRav' timestamp='1344206822' post='1110697']
Like the article says, if it's there just to aid his hearing on the field and not linked to any of the coaches on the sidelines, I can't see why it would break any rules. It would be great if we could get something like this approved!
[/quote]
I agree it would be awesome. what game is that screenshot from btw?

[Moderator 3]

You'd think NFL.com could get the terminology correct. The helmet would be equiped with a hearing aid, not a microphone.

[Clutch Ravens]

[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1344209291' post='1110725']
You'd think NFL.com could get the terminology correct. The helmet would be equiped with a hearing aid, not a microphone.
[/quote]

I was going to say, microphone would suggest the ability to communicate, not just the ability to hear.

All they're doing is fitting him with a game-safe hearing aid, as far as I can make out.

[BmoreRav]

[quote name='organizedchaos007' timestamp='1344208301' post='1110715']

I agree it would be awesome. what game is that screenshot from btw?
[/quote]

My Flacco avatar? I'm not sure. I got it from the board graphics library.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='BmoreRav' timestamp='1344210173' post='1110733']


My Flacco avatar? I'm not sure. I got it from the board graphics library.
[/quote]

I think he means from the linked article. Probably practice, not a game

[K-Dog]

Getting his audio feed from the network would be the easiest and most fair.

[Purple Nurple]

Also, a hearing aid has a microphone. Just saying.

[BmoreRav]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1344210573' post='1110738']


I think he means from the linked article. Probably practice, not a game
[/quote]

Haha of course. Yeah definitely looks like a practice shot!

[Gordo52]

I think it would be cool for all defensive players to use them.
I doubt that would happen anytime soon so hopefully Sergio gets it because he needs it.

[akacrow]

The NFL is not above the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Sect 12103 (paraphrased)

(4) Rules of construction regarding the definition of disability

(i) The determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be made without regard to the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures such as

(I) medication, medical supplies, equipment, or appliances, low-vision devices (which do not include ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses), prosthetics including limbs and devices,[b] hearing aids and cochlear implants or other implantable hearing devices[/b], mobility devices, or oxygen therapy equipment and supplies;
(II) use of assistive technology;
(III) [b]reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids or services[/b]; or
(IV) learned behavioral or adaptive neurological modifications.

Sec. 12103. Additional definitions as used in this chapter

(1) Auxiliary aids and services
The term “auxiliary aids and services” includes
([b]A) qualified interpreters or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments[/b];
B qualified readers, taped texts, or other effective methods of making visually delivered materials available to individuals with visual impairments;
C acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and
(D) other similar services and actions

[Runnin Raven]

Hey, as long as it only evens the playing field there's no reason for him not to be able to have this. Great idea.

[akacrow]

Long story short, the NFL would be breaking the law if Kindle were denied the use of a hearing aid.