If a player is cyanotic and clutching his neck, what is likely happening?

When a player is cyanotic, it indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood, which can cause a bluish discoloration of the skin. Clutching the neck is a common sign associated with choking, as individuals often instinctively try to signal distress related to an obstruction in their airway.

When someone is choking, the airway is compromised, preventing adequate airflow and leading to symptoms such as the cyanosis mentioned. In this scenario, the combination of these signs strongly suggests that the individual is unable to breathe properly due to an obstruction, which supports the reasoning for choosing that response. Identifying choking quickly is crucial in sports settings, as it requires immediate intervention to restore airflow and prevent more serious complications.