Shooting Occurs near Raiders – Cardinals Game NOT necessarily Fan related…

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Jay Captain JackRackem Levy

Reports Friday night stated another ‘Gun-Incident’ took place at a football game pitting the Oakland Raiders against their host Arizona Cardinals. Naturally, all the ‘Debby Downers’ had it as yet ANOTHER case of Raiders fans being Hoodlums, etc… However, as is with most news stories that jump right from ‘initial reports’ to ‘the hot press,’ this incident isn’t exactly what most football-fan-hoodlum naysayers will use to ‘beat the drum.’

According to Officer Tracey Breeden, the on-duty Public Information officer for the Glendale Police Department, a 9:30 PM local time altercation between two male individuals took place in the parking lot of the Hampton Inn, which is sometimes used as ‘overflow parking’ for games. The shooter, who immediately called the police once the incident took place, stated that it was accidental when he pulled out a gun and it fired. The victim of the shooting suffered what Breeden called ‘flesh wounds’ and not what were erroneously reported originally as ‘life-threatening injuries.’ The as yet unidentified shooter is in police custody, but is not under arrest at this time. Police are reporting the shooting victim will be ‘perfectly fine.’ Further non-factual reporting had the weapon as a shotgun when in fact it was a hand gun (caliber as yet to be identified), with the shot purported to be to the face – which has yet to be confirmed. Again, as soon as the words ‘Gun Shots’ ‘Victim’ and ‘Football Game’ come across in any order in short period of time, many folks in the media as well as the general public rush off in panic mode, not knowing the full story. This travesty of jumping to conclusions before all facts are in most definitely needs to stop. While it is a shame that an incident and injury occurred due to a handgun discharge adjacent to a sporting event, one should remember that until all facts are gleaned, jumping to conclusions may be bad to your health… from the strain it puts on your mind and your legs!

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

Titans WR O.J. Murdock Tragic Suicide – Dies at Age 25

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Anna Mohr

It is with great sadness that we report on the passing of Orenthal James “O.J.” Murdock, wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans. Murdock died Monday, July 30, 2012 in front of his alma mater, Middleton High School, in Tampa Bay, Florida as the result of an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound. He was 25 years old.

Titans WR O.J. Murdock

We must remember that suicide is also an act of violence- upon oneself. In fact, approximately 50% of deaths due to violence per year are attributed to suicide. While all suicides can not be prevented, we can work, as a community, to minimize them, just as we strive to assuage the violence to which fans subject one another in the stands.

As football fans, advocates against violence and human beings, our deepest condolences are extended to the Murdock family, the Tennessee Titans organization and Mr. Murdock’s fans. He displayed immense talent and potential during his brief life, and he will be missed by many.

Fans Against Violence – A Mother’s Story

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Maureen Mohr

I am a fan against violence and a mother against violence. On December 11, 2011, my son James Mohr was assaulted in the parking lot of MetLife Stadium after a NY Jets-Kansas City Chiefs game. James had been involved in a verbal exchange with a Kansas City fan who had made some comments about 9/11. He thought that he would enlighten her regarding the inappropriateness of her statements. When that discussion was ended, someone came from behind him and dealt him a beating that resulted in severe but thankfully not life-threatening injuries. Our family continues to be affected by this incident.

Maureen & James Mohr

Of course, our lives came to a standstill as we spent days and nights at the hospital before and after the surgery done to repair James’ face, which had been broken in three places. More frightening was that he had some bleeding on the brain and had suffered a major concussion. James was 23 at the time, and healthy and strong. At first I obsessed about the brain and then started worrying that he would lose his dimples when his face was reconstructed. The plastic surgeon did a magnificent job and he still has those dimples. His eyes, however, are not in sync with one another and he still is being treated for that problem. The effects of the concussion are less apparent – mood swings, headaches, and all the things that sons don’t share with their mothers.

I have never been able to stand violent behavior. I can’t watch violence in movies, can’t even watch a boxing match. I don’t understand why anyone gets pleasure from hitting someone else. When I read about people being beaten, it used to make me sick. Now it makes me sicker. I think about James being left on the ground, his head bleeding and in a state of unconsciousness, and I am astounded that anyone could have done this to my son.

I question whether I should have encouraged my children to be competitive – they are indeed avid fans of some team in every sport. They have played soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, and have run track and are good swimmers. They have always wanted to win, and they have always wanted their teams to win. Although I don’t really believe that this was an instance of team rivalry, I know that those kinds of rivalries have resulted in similar violent behavior. It is not acceptable. We should be able to root for our teams without anticipating that a physical attack might ensue.

Given the catalyst of this event – the verbal exchange with the Kansas City fan–I wonder if I should have supported my son’s right to state his opinion about things and to believe that he could talk someone into adopting his point of view. Freedom of speech and all that – things I thought my children should appreciate. So I question myself constantly.

And I worry. Never having thought something like this could happen, now I know that it can and it does and it did. My children are adults and yet I never stop worrying. I wonder if I ever will stop worrying and if it’s possible to resign from this job as mother. There are doctor’s and hospital bills to contend with, a criminal case that we try to follow and of course the following up on the health issues. When I see strangers parked on our block, I wonder if someone is stalking one of my family members; if the phone rings in the middle of the night, my heart stops.

I realize that I have become a prisoner of sorts – that someone else’s criminal act has caused me to imprison myself with fear, uncertainty and negativity. By doing this, my spirit is impaired and everything is more difficult. Luckily, I have come to recognize this impairment and I am determined to knock down those prison walls and enjoy my freedoms and cheer for my teams. It is my hope that all fans may do the same in a healthy and safe environment and that no mother will have to meet her child in a trauma center after a football game.

Aaron Curry, Oakland Raider’s Linebacker, Teams Up with Fans Against Violence

Posted on July 9, 2012 by FAV

Fans Against Violence is so happy to announce that Aaron Curry of the Oakland Raiders is joining us! On June 27^th, Curry posted, via Twitter, the subsequent message to his followers: “This year I’m teaming up with @FansAV Gotta bring violence in the stands to a halt! Leave the violence to me”

Aaron Curry played football for Wake Forest University and was considered by many to be the best linebacker available in the 2009 NFL draft. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round, the highest recruited linebacker in almost a decade. Since October 2011 Curry has been a member of the Oakland Raiders and has proven to be a valuable asset to the team. Currently he has a career record of 46 games played, 202 tackles, 160 of them being solo, and 5.5 sacks.

Off the field, Aaron Curry is a husband, father and spearheads the Family 59 Foundation, an organization geared towards supporting families facing various social and economic issues.

His generosity, commitment to serving the community and dedication to the many who have benefited from his work combined with his tremendous athletic ability make him a true role model.

Regarding his stance on violence in the stands, he issued the following statement:

“As a husband, father, and player on game day nothing bothers me more than the thought of violence in the stands. Fans, you have every right to be passionate about your team, but the moment your passion becomes the fuel for violence in the stands is when things go wrong. Fans should respect one another whether cheering for the same team or not. Leave the violence to me, on the field.”

We are so grateful for his support and welcome him to FAV!

RaiderNationTimes.com -Interview with Wayne ‘The Violator’ Maybry

Posted on June 13, 2012 by FAV

In this great interview John Doublin of the Raider Nation Times speaks with one of the Oakland Raiders most well known “Super Fans”, Wayne ‘The Violator’ Maybry about his life, love of the Oakland Raiders and his efforts with many Charitable organizations including FAV. We are honored to have ‘The Violator’ as a supporter.

Below is an excerpt from the interview. To read the full article please visit RaiderNationTimes.com.

Oakland Raiders Super Fan: Wayne ‘The Violator’ Maybry

~By John Doublin-June 12, 2012

These days, Wayne spends his off time on more civic and philanthropic pursuits. He offers his time to several children’s and cancer charities and lends his name and persona to other entities that are working hard to reduce fan violence at all sporting events.

The Silver and Black Angel Foundation is a non-profit organization started by Joe Martinez in the memory of his father, Art. They are dedicated to raising awareness and funds for cancer research and providing opportunities for children and adults throughout many communities. (Click the above link for more information.)

While researching this article, I came across a great example of what Wayne and the people at The Silver and Black Angel Foundation are doing in the community on TheDowneyBeat.com. As you can see by the official photo in that article, Wayne believes in this foundation and is heavily involved.

Raider Nation 4 Life Car Club puts on a car show every year in Lakewood, CA called “Cruise For A Cause,” the proceeds of which go to benefit families in need in the Long Beach, CA area. Wayne and other Raider Super Fans support this cause and do what they can to help.

Wayne hopes to have his custom 2000 Chevy Silverado finished and entered into these shows in the near future.

Fans Against Violence, (FAV) is a non-profit organization started by Raider fan Kathy Samoun and is dedicated to ending violence in the stands at sporting events. Although Wayne isn’t directly involved with FAV, he does lend his time and his name to their cause saying:

“I don’t get to help them very often, but I absolutely support everything their doing over there, so I help when I can, because real fans don’t cross that line. We should leave the violence on the field.”

FAV is also a partner site to Raider Nation Times and can be found in the “our partners” section of our home page.

In addition to all of these great causes, Mr. Maybry also lends his time to the Toys for Tots program and the Ontario, CA Fire Department for their annual toy drive and fund raising events in Ontario, CA.

Needless to say, there is much more to this man than the spiked shoulder pads, face paint and intimidating name. He’s a genuinely caring and giving individual.

Wayne has also begun to plan for his retirement. He’s started his own fitness apparel line called Modo-Sports which specializes in reasonably-priced fitness apparel for the entire family. From youngsters to adults, Modo-Sports has the right fitness clothing for you to “Get it done!”

read full article..

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!

BaseballintheBlood.com – On The Phone With…Fans Against Violence

Posted on May 18, 2012 by FAV

We recently had a great phone interview with Todd Coppernoll of Baseball in the Blood. Below is an excerpt from the interview and article about Fans Against Violence.
To read the full article please visit BaseballintheBlood.com.

Shootings and Savage Beatings…at the Ballpark

On The Phone With…Fans Against Violence

~By Todd Coppernoll-May 18, 2012

Over the past year, fan violence at U.S. sporting events has received heightened media attention. The savage beating of San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow, in the parking lot at Dodger Stadium, is causing many to take a second look at what is “acceptable” behavior in the stands.
Last August, the San Francisco 49ers hosted the Oakland Raiders for a preseason NFL game at Candlestick Park. Following the game, three fans were hospitalized…two had been shot, and the third had been beaten unconscious in a stadium restroom.
In September, Kathy Samoun, who is a Raiders fan, founded “Fans Against Violence.” read full article..

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.