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The focus of spinal cord injury assessments is on minimizing additional harm and ensuring the stability of the patient's condition. Gross manipulation of the patient’s neck involves significant movement, which poses a risk of exacerbating any existing spinal injuries.

In contrast, the other options emphasize safety and stability, which are crucial when assessing a potential spinal injury. Visual inspection and light palpation for deformities and crepitus help identify abnormalities without applying undue pressure or stress on the spine. Evaluating the patient's airway prior to transport is a critical assessment to ensure the patient can breathe adequately, especially since spinal cord injuries might affect the respiratory muscles. Lastly, taking precautions to immobilize the patient is essential to prevent further injury during transport or assessment.

By understanding the rationale behind each method of assessment, it becomes clear that gross manipulation of the neck is inappropriate and increases the risk of further injury, thus making it the correct choice for what is NOT an appropriate assessment for spinal cord injury.