NFL Announces New Bag Policy to Improve Fan Safety for 2013 Season

Posted on June 13, 2013 by FAV

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.

For more information on the new policy, please visit www.nfl.com/allclear.

So pack your zip lock bags and let’s get ready for some football!

Justice for Jets Fan James Mohr

Posted on May 7, 2013 by FAV

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 Year Anniversary of the Attack on Giants Fan Bryan Stow – Can Good Come From Such a Horrilbe Incident?

Posted on March 31, 2013 by John Doublin

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!”

Randy Hahn – San Jose Sharks Play-By-Play Broadcaster Supports Fans Against Violence

Posted on January 14, 2013 by FAV

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.”

Raiders Report – Fans Against Violence and the Oakland Raiders Visit the Boys 2 Men Youth Outreach

Posted on November 30, 2012 by FAV

On November 26, 2012, Fans Against Violence along with the Oakland Raiders teamed up to speak with the children at the Boys 2 Men/Girls to Women Youth Outreach about the importance of sportsmanship.

To view full episode please visit Raiders.com

FAV & Raiders Derek Hagan Visit Boys 2 Men Outreach Photo Album

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.

Mike Gatto’s Stadium Violence Prevention Bill Signed by Governor Brown

Posted on September 7, 2012 by FAV

Sacramento, CA – Next time you find yourself at a football game, with a front row seat to a brawl in the stands between two rowdy fans, you’ll be able to more quickly and less conspicuously summon stadium security. Assembly Bill 2464, the Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act, authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), was signed into law today by Governor Brown.

The Act will require major-league sports stadiums in California to clearly post the numbers fans can use to call or text-message stadium security, both inside and outside the venues. Most stadiums verbally announce the contact information for stadium security at the beginning of the game, but many fans don’t remember this number several innings later and in the midst of an emotionally charged altercation mere steps away. Now fans don’t have to memorize this number – it will be a mainstay at all professional sports stadiums and arenas in the state.

Posting these signs will enable incidents to be resolved more quickly, before a victim is seriously injured. In fact, several of the more high-profile beatings lasted over a span of several minutes, during which frantic fans dialed 911. In those instances, it is stadium security (from within the stadium) and not the police (coming from outside the stadium) who is best equipped to quickly respond and prevent an injury from becoming more serious.

The signs mandated by AB 2464 will also serve as a reminder to would-be perpetrators that they will be caught, hopefully adding an ounce of prevention to this modest cure. “It has become apparent that we need to act to keep the action at professional games on the field and out of the stands,” said Gatto, “AB 2464 is a simple, common-sense, and preventative solution.”

AB 2464 is one of three bills signed into law today authored by Assemblyman Gatto.

Mike Gatto represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Atwater Village. He is the Chairman of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

Anti-Fan Violence “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act” Passes CA Senate

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Anna Mohr

California is a signature away from passing legislation in an attempt to solve the growing problem of violence at sporting events- a small victory in the ongoing crusade to bring peace to fans statewide.

AB 2464, proposed by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, landed on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk on Tuesday, and is expected to be signed within the next two weeks. It will mandate owners of all sports facilities to post notices containing the telephone number and text message code to dial in the event an incident arises which calls for security to be summoned. Further, these notices must be strategically placed in locations visible to a majority of spectators in seating areas, parking lots located on the complex premises and at all points of entry.

Gatto introduced this bill back in February, in response to the outrageous number of violent acts reported at sporting events statewide. After being told by some of his constituents that they are concerned for their safety at stadiums and arenas, Gatto decided to take action. The passage of this bill, he hopes, will encourage people to alert authorities before situations escalate and assuage the fear that many have developed to attend games and matches.

We’re optimistic that this law will go into effect, and hopeful that California blazes a trail for other states to follow. As citizens and fans, we are entitled to protection and should not be shy about asking our politicians to ensure that we receive it at all times, including during sporting events. Thank you to the citizens of California, and to Assemblyman Gatto, for refusing to sit on the sideline while this vicious conduct continues. We admire their efforts and hope they inspire more people to join the cause.

New Security Measures are Necessary Considering the Increase in Violent Acts at Sporting Events

Posted on August 11, 2012 by kcdermody

There are some fans who are upset about the inconvenience of the new security screening measures put into place for all NFL games this year. Every stadium in the nation is affected, including O.co Coliseum. According to Raiders.com, everyone who walks into the stadium will be subject to “security screening of property and person, including metal detection.”

Are the new rules inconvenient? Yes. But are they worth eliminating even just one violent incident, and possibly the life of an NFL fan? Of course.

It’s unfortunate that we live in a world where security screening measures like these are necessary, but with the high number of violent acts committed at sporting venues across the country in recent years, the NFL is taking steps they feel will help reduce and eliminate potential injury or death to those who just want to watch their favorite team battle it out on the field.

Of course some incidents have happened in parking lots outside the stadium, as in the shooting after the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders preseason game last summer, and the new rules may not have prevented this horrendous situation, but there are others that would have been prevented through metal detection and advanced security screening.

At MetLife Stadium last September, a fan used an illegal taser at the game between the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys. In a cellphone video of the fight that occurred, one fan can be heard saying, “How did he get in here with that thing?”

Had metal detectors been in place, it’s unlikely he would have made it through with it.

With alcohol being consumed during the game, mixed with high tempers, adding a weapon of any kind is a recipe for disaster.

Yes, it’s inconvenient, and you’ll have to allow more time to get into the game, but considering the number of deaths involving random shootings at places we should be able to go into and feel safe, it only makes sense to take any action possible to prevent such horrific violence from happening again.

Other articles by K.C. Dermody can be found below. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter or at www.kcdermodywriter.com

Oakland Raiders Fan: Fans Against Violence Taking Back the Stands for All Sports

Raiders vs. 49ers Preseason Battle Nixed; NFL’s Latest Ideas to Stop Violence

Six Things to Look for in the Oakland Raiders First Preseason Game

What Can Sports Fans do to Take a More Proactive Approach Against Violence?

Posted on May 21, 2012 by FAV

We have had a lot of questions and comments in regards to our posting challenging fans to step up and take a more proactive approach in ending fan violence. Many of you have responded asking what it is you can do.

First and foremost, if you see something escalating, please do not try to get involved. We would never want anyone to put themselves or their family in danger. The best thing you can do is use the Game Day Security Hotlines and Text code to alert security to the issue. All calls are anonymous, so there is no need to be concerned about retaliation.

Although it is important that the venues do everything they can to ensure the fans safety, we as fans have to take on some of the responsibility. Along with the Game Day Security Hotlines and Text code we have also put together a list of Game Day Safety Tips. Please read them. Some of the tips may seem obvious but they are all important.

Lastly, with all of the recent incidents and all of the media attention to the issue of Fan Violence, many fans are afraid and on edge when attending a game. Remember be kind and respectful to all fans, no matter what team they are rooting for. At the end of the day, we are all fans of the sport. The smallest gesture of saying “hi” or “welcome to our stadium” to an opposing fan can make the largest impact!

Anti-Fan Violence “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act” Passes CA State Assembly Unanimously

Posted on May 18, 2012 by FAV

Yesterday, Thursday May 17, 2001, the bill known as the “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act”, passed The California State Assembly unanimously with 72 votes. With the ever growing number of incidents of fan violence, this is great news for Sports Fans statewide.

AB2464 would require all professional sports venues to post Game Day hotlines and Security Text Codes in designated areas throughout the stadiums and arenas, as well as parking lots. Currently, a majority of professional sports venues already have the Game Day Hotline and Text code program in place. Should this bill become a law, it would, by extension, require all sports venues to adopt this program.

Although AB2464 will not end Fan Violence in its entirety, it is a small step in the right direction. While sports venues have a major responsibility towards ensuring fan safety, Game Day Text Codes and Hotlines are great tools for Sports fans to take a proactive approach in their safety.

The next step for the “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act”, will be to pass the State Senate then on to the Governor for signature. In speaking with Assemblyman Mike Gattos staff today, there was an air of reserved confidence that AB2464 will not be met with resistance through the State Senate. If it does indeed pass and is signed by the Governor, the law could come into effect as soon as January 1, 2013.

We at Fans Against Violence, encourage sports fans to get behind and show your support for AB2464. If you are interested is joining us in supporting this bill, please email us at info@fansagainstviolence.org.