Hello Fans Against Violence supporters! With Football season almost upon us, FAV needs your help to put an end to the violence going on at our stadiums nationwide! We are trying to raise $5,000 before the season starts to help us with all the activities we are planning throughout the season! Every little bit helps so whatever you can give would be very much appreciated! Thank you so much for your support. You can click the DONATE NOW link on our website or go to our Fundrazr page at Fans Against Violence Fundrazr.
It is FAVs mission to enhance the game day experience by promoting goodwill and sportsman-like conduct between fans by implementing a series of creative and effective programs through education, discussion and partnerships with leagues, teams and like-minded organizations.
Please join us in taking a stand against violence!
With the tragic events such as the Boston Bombings and the seemingly increasing threats at public venues, the NFL has stepped up its security policies to help prevent such incidents from occurring at football stadiums nationwide.
In an effort to improve fan safety and expedite entry into the stadiums, the NFL Committee on Stadium Security voted unanimously to implement a policy which would ban large bags, backpack and handbags into the stadium.
According to NFL.com
The restrictions are designed to enhance security while speeding up entry into stadiums.
With the exception of medically necessary items, only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches will be allowed. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags also will be OK, as will small clear plastic bags approximately the size of someone’s hand, with or without a handle or strap.
One of those clear bags and a small clutch bag will be allowed per person.
Binoculars, cameras, and smartphones also will be permitted.
Banned items will include purses larger than a clutch bag; coolers; briefcases; backpacks; fanny packs; cinch bags; seat cushions; luggage; computer bags; and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
The league is encouraging fans not to bring any bags to games.
“Our fans deserve to be in a safe and secure environment,” Jeffrey Miller, the NFL’s chief security officer, said Thursday. “Public safety is our top priority. This will make the job of checking items much more efficient and effective. We will be able to deliver a better and quicker experience at the gates and also provide a safer environment. We appreciate our fans’ cooperation.”
This new policy will certainly be viewed as an inconvenience by many fans, especially families and those with small children, but it is quite possibly a necessary inconvenience to ensure our safety.
We know that change is sometimes hard to accept, but at the end of the day our safety must supersede convenience. The key for fans will be to plan ahead and be prepared when attending an NFL game this season.
On May 3, 2013 in Bergen County Criminal Court, a judge sentenced Merle Lee, the man responsible for the brutal attack on James Mohr outside of MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2011, to three years in a New Jersey State Prison following Lee’s plea of guilty to the assault.
The attack left Mohr with several fractures, including his jaw and eye socket, as well as internal bleeding on his brain. He spent a week in the hospital, undergoing a four hour surgery to repair his face, and months recovering at home before being able to return to work and other daily activities.
Lee was initially cited a desk appearance ticket for disorderly conduct, but upon learning of the severity of Mohr’s injuries, police officials raised the charge to aggravated assault and a warrant was issued for Lee’s arrest. He was taken into custody two days following the attack and was indicted by a grand jury.
The judge’s ruling comes as a victory for the Mohr family, who has waited over a year for justice to be served. While the family was not present at the sentencing, the outcome was welcomed with great relief and tears of joy. It is now a closed chapter, and focus can be redirected to James’ ongoing recovery and a celebration of the strides he has made in the process.
Fans Against Violence has followed this case from the beginning, and we are ecstatic to learn of this news. We hope this serves as a lesson to fans everywhere- violence at sporting events can be extremely dangerous, even fatal, and offenders will be held accountable for their actions and poor judgment. This incident caused many people pain, and now a man will lose three years of his life behind bars for his crime. It is never worth it. No one wins. Everyone suffers. Please remember that it is just a game, and we are there to enjoy ourselves, root for our teams and show respect for our fellow man.
Two years ago today the sports community was forever changed when San Francisco Giants’ fan, Bryan Stow, nearly paid the ultimate price for his team loyalty. Stow traveled the 300 miles to cheer for his beloved Giants at the home of their rival, and was beaten almost to death in the parking lot of a Los Angeles Dodgers’ home game leaving him with severe brain injury.
This incident brought the issue of fan violence to the forefront, prompting the creation of FansAgainstViolence.org. All of a sudden, fan violence was a topic of conversation on a national level. Major news outlets, such as CNN, FoxNews, and MSNBC were all talking about the violence in the stands.
Bryan Stow and Family
Since that day, Mr. Stow has been slowly recovering from his injuries, though a full recovery is not likely, as his injuries were numerous and severe. Mr. Stow’s family has since started a website, which updates well-wishers and fans of his current condition, along with improvements and changes in his condition.
So, what does all of this mean? What should we take away from this tragic and senseless act of violence? Is there a “silver lining?” Those questions are difficult to answer.
One way to look at the result of this terrible incident is that the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and the NCAA have all taken steps to protect fans in the stands. There are emergency security text code numbers fans can use to report fights and disturbances, stadiums have increased security and, most importantly, most fans are no longer tolerant of people such as those men who attacked Mr. Stow. Decent people in stadiums all across the country, and the world, are reporting violence in the stands more readily. This incident also prompted California legislation, the Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act, authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto(D-Los Angeles) which requires all professional sports venues in California to have a Security Text Code program in place. That, in and of itself, should be counted as a minor victory.
It’s sad that it took the near death of a fan to bring this problem to the forefront of conversation, but as Mr. Stow and his family attempt to heal and return to some sense of a normal life, they can take solace in the fact that, although it came in the wake of such a horrific event in their lives, the likelihood of this happening to someone else in the future is greatly diminished due to his story.
Fans Against Violence continues to support Mr. Stow and his family as they live through this tragedy. As always, we send our well-wishes and prayers to the Stow family. FAV will continue to do everything possible to prevent this from happening again.
To see ways you can help or get involved with FAV, please visit our Get Involved page.
If you would like to donate to Bryan Stows family directly, you can visit our Donate to Bryan Stow page.
We cannot change things on our own, but by raising awareness and offering suggestions to prevent this sort of thing, through the support of fans, teams and leagues, we will be able to make a difference in “Taking Back the Stands!”
Most of you who know Randy Hahn know him part of the broadcasting duo of “Randy and Drew” who deliver play-by-play updates during the San Jose Sharks’ games. We are proud and happy to announce he has given his endorsement of Fans Against Violence.
Randy Hahn has been part of the sports industry for decades, and he has attended many games in his position. While a tenured reporter such Hahn has undoubtedly seen many legendary moments throughout his career, he also shares with us the less fond memories of bearing witness to fans subjecting each other to violence. It is for this reason that Hahn has decided to endorse Fans Against Violence. As a father and a fan, Hahn has a different yet equally important message to broadcast.:
“In my 30+ years as a play by play broadcaster covering a variety of live events, I have unfortunately witnessed instances of fan violence. I absolutely endorse the work being carried out by FAV to help reduce or hopefully bring an end to such incidents. We owe it to our children to set the right example for them. Whether that might be at a big rivalry game like the SJ Sharks vs the LA Kings or even at the local soccer field where those same children might be competing themselves.”
We are so thrilled to release our first Public Service Announcement for our FanShake Program. The FanShake program and the FanShake Cam was built on the premise that the smallest of gestures can sometimes have the most impact. With the simple act of shaking an opposing fans hand and welcoming them to “your house” you can change the entire mood of your section.
The FanShake Cam first made its debut at the Oakland Raiders season opener versus the San Diego Chargers and was a huge hit! Our hope is that by encouraging fans to welcome each other through the FanShake, we can start to help reduce the number of incidents at sports venue nationwide.
So Next time you are at a game..make sure and do the FanShake!!
In September FAV held a raffle for tickets to the Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos game on December 6, 2012. The winner of the tickets, Michael Sottile of New York, graciously donated the tickets back to FAV and asked that we give the tickets to some kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a Raider game.
We were thrilled at the prospect of giving a child such a wonderful opportunity. We immediately contacted the Oakland Raiders who also jumped on the opportunity to make this a very special day. Along with the tickets to the game, the Oakland Raiders donated Field passes for the kids.
We immediately contacted the Boys 2 Men Youth Outreach group and held a contest, asking each child to write a sentence on what we can do to end violence.
We were thrilled to be joined by Oakland Raiders Wide Receiver Derek Hagan in picking and announcing the three winners. We are also very grateful to have super fans Gorilla Rilla & the Pirate, as well as, Dont Even from the Hazmat Boyz for come down and show their support for FAV and make the day so special for some very well deserving children. It was a very memorable day for them and FAV.
Here are a few of the entries from the children of Boys to Men Youth Outreach BOYS 2 MEN YOUTH OUTREACH
Helping to decrease the violence in the Oakland community!
By…….
James (10): Having Confidence in yourself and self-control.
Solomon (10): Having Integrity, Discipline, and Honor, leading positive.
Jordan (10): By showing others Respect and having a positive outlook on life.
Arnell (5): By having Discipline – Training that teaches one to obey rules and to control ones behavior.
Allen (10): By showing love to everyone.
Flore (8) and Flora (8): Having pride in your- self.
George (5): To be good and respectful.
The winning entries:
Damariye (11): By following our 5 daily words: Discipline, Morals, Integrity, Self-Esteem, and Respect, alone with some Love and that will make all the fans safe and happy.
Julia (11): By having Morals – Principles of right and wrong.
Joseph (13): Leading by example, To be respectful of our self and others.
Sundays during football season tend to place media focus on the match-ups, the players, the injury reports, the spreads and the action on the field. So little is said about what takes place off of the field- particularly in the stands, in the parking lots and on stadium premises. Outside the Lines gives us a look at the dangers of fan violence, the impact it has on its victims and the need to create safer environments in which fans can enjoy the experience of a football game. The necessity of advocacy groups such as Fans Against Violence is also stressed, and Outside the Lines features Kathy Samoun at the opening Raiders game against the San Diego Chargers, promoting FAV’s cause on foot and encouraging fans of both teams to be welcoming and respectful towards one another. Also interviewed is Aaron Curry of the Oakland Raiders, who is a supporter of FAV and the fight against violence. Raising awareness and exposing people to the seriousness of this issue is a great step towards lessening the number of incidents and attacks reported each week, and we are glad ESPN is shining some light on it.
In case you missed yesterday’s airing of “Outside the Lines, ” here are some highlights from this week’s episode.
We are so thrilled to share with you the FAV FanShake Cam™ which was first Introduced at the Oakland Raiders home opener on Monday Night Football vs San Diego Chargers. In all the excitement, everyone forgot to record the unveiling! Thankfully we did not forget to record it at the Raiders/Steeler game so we could share it with you if you weren’t able to attend the game!
We are happy to announce the FanShake™ has been a huge success and has received a tremendous response by the fans!
We look forward to spotting you soon on the FanShake Cam™ so be sure to stand up, shake the hand of a visiting fan and get your FanShake™ on!!
” Real fans let their team do the fighting in between the whistle. Stop fan violence!” ~Michael German
Fans Against Violence is excited to welcome our newest and first collegiate supporter, Michael German of Tennessee State University. Michael is the starting quarterback for the Tigers, and in addition to being a star athlete he is a staunch supporter of Fans Against Violence and our mission to ensure safety in the stands.
Michael is a Florida native, and began his football career at a very young age. Early on it became evident to his family and coaches that he was a natural. He earned the Most Valuable Player award in his freshman and junior years, two of his many achievements during his tenure at Blanche Ely High School. He was recruited by Tennessee State and made his debut in the 2011 season. During his rookie year, Michael completed 140 passes for 1,899 yards and led his team with 12 touchdowns. He garnered Freshman of the Year honors and was chosen to the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) New-Comer Team. Michael is currently in his sophomore year at Tennessee State, and has a very bright and promising future ahead of him.
Our athlete supporters shine light on the problem of fan violence from a different perspective. Michael, like many athletes, must concern himself with his family and fans’ safety while trying to play his game. While his focus should be on football, Michael worries about his devoted parents, who attend almost every one of his games. Violence is not restricted to the professional level, and he realizes the need to raise awareness everywhere, from little leagues to the NFL. We are grateful for his support and wish him the best of luck this 2012 season!
