Police State Update - NFL wants pat downs from ankles up at all stadiums

[stockholmer]

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/09/nfl-orders-ankles-up-frisks-for-16-million-fans-enterting-stadiums-security-buffalo-bills/1?loc=interstitialskip


The NFL wants all fans patted down from the ankles up this season to improve fan safety.

Previously, security guards only patted down fans from the waist up before gaining entry to NFL stadiums. Under the new "enhanced" pat-down procedures, the NFL wants all 32 clubs to search fans from ankles to the knees as well as the waist up.

The stricter security approach impacts the 16.6 million fans expected to attend live regular season NFL games this season.

The league wanted all clubs to implement the enhanced searches for Week One of the new season, says spokesman Brian McCarthy. The NFL hopes fans will be "patient" -- and arrive earlier to games to avoid lengthy delays.

"The enhanced security procedures recommended by our office before the start of the season will further increase the safety of fans but will require some additional time," McCarthy told USA TODAY in a statement Thursday. "We encourage fans to come early, enjoy their tailgating tradition, and be patient as they enter the stadium."

snip

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Next up, microwave oven TSA scanners for all, then its on to malls!

http://images.cryhavok.org/d/4854-1/My+First+Cavity+Search.jpg

[MrSlayer]

1. All because of the idiot Dallas fan who decided to bring a taser with him to a game.

Just another reason to hate the cockroaches.

[Occulus]

14. If *one person* at *one event* can elicit this sort of universal response

we are in very serious trouble.

[Name removed]

59. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Blue_Tires]

64. I'd have thought this was a "Raider rule"

lol

[midnight]

2. K&R

[teddy51]

3. Now that could a bigger problem for NFL than the fans. This may cost them

in ticket sales, big time.

[dsc]

4. I am just going to say

that if they had say Drew Brees doing the patdowns I would be all in.

[Logical]

6. classy

[pipi_k]

9. Tom Brady. I would probably get in line multiple times... n/t

[dsc]

21. Oh yeah

I would be livin in that line.

[cherokeeprogressive]

27. That's funny cuz I was thinking Rams cheerleaders... n/t

[KamaAina]

69. The Embraceable Ewes?

Seriesly. That's what they're called (or were in their LA days).

[pipi_k]

5. Hmmm....I'm not really sure

that stadium security guards are on a par with anything close to a "police state".

And really it's not like searches at the airport where lots of people may not have any other choice than to fly.

People don't have to go to a stadium if they don't like the extra search. Of course, if the game is blacked out in their area, they may have to stay home and watch some other game.

But if people get really annoyed with the searches, they'll just stay home and stadium revenue will suffer. Then the whole search thing may get changed.

Unfortunately, it's always one idiot who ends up screwing things up for the rest of the civilized humans...

[BeFree]

7. Football crowds are dangerous

Best to just stay far away from those people. Save your money.

[pipi_k]

11. I don't worry too much about the dangerous crowds, but

I do have issues with having to stand in lines for the rest rooms

:cry:

[BeFree]

12. Then why have pat downs?

The NFL considers football crowds to be dangerous.

[pipi_k]

17. I never said they weren't dangerous

I said I wouldn't worry all that much about them.

Mainly because that sort of bullshit hardly happens out of the blue. Something has to precipitate a fight...and I'm not the sort who gets into fisticuffs out in public.

Unprovoked attacks can happen out on the street, FGS. I was waiting in an ER one time years ago and some woman came in reporting that she was walking down the street and was attacked by another woman who came up to her and BIT her on the face.

Why have pat downs at stadiums? Because the NFL thinks fans are dangerous. And when they've been tailgating for hours before the game, many of them are.

It's not MY rule...

:shrug:

[BeFree]

19. Yep

The authorities are scared of their customers. You may not be but what do you know?

The NFL KNOWS, and so do I.

[pipi_k]

39. Ummmm....

I'm not even sure if I know what your point is.

Especially since I didn't come out totally against either side of this.

Oh well
:shrug:

[WinkyDink]

60. OFGS. Do you know how many DECADES fans have attended NFL games?

[Logical]

8. I'll take a taser now and then if I don't have to get searched. Stupid idea.

[pipi_k]

15. Cool. I'd rather not get tased, thanks...

Maybe they can divide the stadium in half.

Drunks, fools, and people with weapons on one side.


On the other side, people who don't want to be assaulted by drunks, beer, piss, or tasers.

Everyone is happy.

[Logical]

18. I mean how many people get impacted by an occasional taser compared...

to how many need to get searched weekly? Worth the trade off?

[pipi_k]

40. Beats me...

to some people it would be worth the trouble.

But as I said above to someone else, I'm not totally supporting either side of this.

You get one idiot with a taser and it ruins things for everyone. What can you do?


The only side I'm really against is the claim that security pat downs in a football stadium equals "police state". I don't agree.

[Mugu]

31. I very much like that idea. n/t

[ashling]

20. I started to say,

the NFL is not the police

thats on par with saying that Imus had his 1st Amendment rights violated when he was fired because of his sponsors

[Angry Dragon]

30. ...................

:thumbsdown:


A woman got beat up in a McDonald's
pat-downs are now required to gain entrance to all
restaurants and bars
Going to the store??
Better to leave a little early because
you have to have a pat-down to shop
because you know there are robbers out there

[pipi_k]

45. Not even the same.

Going to a fast food place or to the store doesn't involve hundreds of people sitting around drinking beer or whatever for hours before the event starts.

And, as I'll state for probably the third time in this whole thread, I'm not totally FOR or AGAINST the pat down idea.

This isn't exactly a black or white, either/or, issue. I don't see where either side is 100% right.

[MadHound]

36. Ah, nice,

Rationalizing away the ever increasing police state. It is people like you who, in Germany aided Hitler and the rise of Nazism.

[pipi_k]

43. Well that didn't take long...

invoking the Nazis over people being searched as they enter a stadium where it's their own choice to be

as opposed to being arbitrarily stopped on the street and being demanded to show one's "papers".


I think comparing public safety to Nazi-ism is a bit over the top here.

And, as I stated, if people don't like it, they can stay home. If enough people stay home, it may cause the NFL to reconsider their stand.


And final point...that "people like you" shit doesn't fly. Ever.

Keep it to the issue. Not "people like" me.

[Tesha]

55. But the point is that just a few years ago, even getting "patted down" to enter a stadium...

...would have been unthinkable. Now, not only is it
"thinkable", we've all become enured to it. So the
next ratcheting-up of the security state mechanisms
won't seem like a very dramatic step either. Nor the
next one. Nor the next.

And pretty soon, begin stopped on the street and asked
for your papers won't seem like much either.

Tesha

[pipi_k]

58. Well, we're still talking about

something nobody has to do.


We're not talking about something they may not have a choice about, like taking a plane. Many people HAVE to travel for their jobs...or to see family. They are, basically, being held hostage.


But this is different. People don't HAVE to go to football games. If it gets to be too much of a pain, they will express their displeasure by not buying tickets.


NFL games aren't the same as people being able to walk the streets unmolested, and I don't see where one would naturally lead to street searches.

:shrug:

[Tesha]

71. As I said, the point is the gradual ratcheting-up of the security state.

TSA used only molest you if you "chose" to fly on an airplane.

Now, they (or folks just like them) frequently molest rail commuters
who are "choosing" to commute to their jobs. And what will the
next modest step be? Have you tried to photograph certain public
objects lately?

Tesha

[Greybnk48]

10. I was patted down at Lambeau at the final preseason

game. I'm a 62 y/o woman and I don't know who was more embarassed, me or the cop! :blush:

[msongs]

13. ummm it's a private organization, nothing police "state" about it at all nt

[LeftyMom]

25. Most of the stadiums are public property, and security is coordinated with local law enforcement.

[CoffinEd]

16. On a Monday night in Foxboro Mass...

Many years ago against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, not only did a fan rush the field and bit a cheerleader on the leg, but it was also reported that stadium security had confiscated something like 15 hand guns. Don't call us Patriots for nothing.

But all this happened long before the Krafts came to town. And, oh yeah, we still lost the game in a rout.

[TheCowsCameHome]

22. Learn to walk on your hands,

if the beer doesn't fall out of your pockets

[taught_me_patience]

23. They just don't want fans to sneak food or drinks in their pocket

So they can charge an arm and a leg once they get inside. It's all about making more money.

[Art_from_Ark]

34. I think that's one of the main reasons for the restrictions

on bringing drinks through security lines at airports.

16 ounce Dr. Pepper in grocery store-- 79 cents
16 ounce Dr. Pepper in secure airport area-- $2.49

[WolverineDG]

66. bingo nt

[LeftyMom]

24. This is primarily an excuse to make sure nobody's carrying in their own booze,

so they can charge extortionate rates.

I go to games all the time, and I always either get waved through or get the most halfassed patdown ever (and not because of my sex, women get in a separate line) probably because I look too clean cut and upstanding to have a flask or something.

[Missy Vixen]

49. +10000

>This is primarily an excuse to make sure nobody's carrying in their own booze, so they can charge extortionate rates.<

The last game I went to was a 100-degree day in Seattle. Those doing the pat-downs were attempting to take water bottles away from those in line.

You are absolutely right that it's all about protecting the beer sales, and nothing to do with "fan safety".

[Blue_Tires]

63. +10000

[KamaAina]

70. Oh god, no one will ever get in the Superdome again

:beer:

[ScreamingMeemie]

26. I have been to Lambeau, Ford Field, and Reliant stadium and have

yet to be patted anywhere let alone ankles up or shoulders down or whatever. The only thing I've ever had to do was open my purse. :shrug:

[October]

28. They did this last year

Our family went to an evening game (televised), and we waited in RIDICULOUS, unorganized, overwhelming lines (more like a giant crowd). We were separated into different lines based on gender -- and we literally lost sight of one another. We could not find one another -- and the lines took so long we missed the kick-off and other fun pre-game stuff.

It cost a fortune, we had good seats and enjoyed the game after all the nonsense -- but it was eery. Separating our family (by gender) just gave me the willies. It felt so wrong!

[hvn_nbr_2]

29. Is the one on the right Mitt Romney?

The blue latex gloves remind me of that picture that's been going around.

[Blecht]

32. I'm really starting to hate that word

"Enhanced." Every time it's being used these days, it's for something awful.

[bbgrunt]

33. well, why not the shoes too?

[Politicalboi]

35. If they are really concerned about safety

They would stop selling alcohol.

[pipi_k]

41. I can see your point...

and I do agree.

But then I wonder, if they did that, how many people would be screeching about the "Nanny State".

So I think maybe they try very hard to provide a pleasant experience for their fans while hoping they drink responsibly. Yeah, I know...insert hysterical laughter here...

;)

[MadHound]

37. I've got tickets to a game later this year

If I get patted down, it will be the last time I go to a pro football game.

[Baclava]

38. So much for smuggling whiskey into the games in my ankle holster.

Another Lord Goodell knee-jerk reaction - - will just keep more people at home in front of their big-screens.

[pipi_k]

42. Rent a kid...

fill up a ziploc bag with whiskey and insert in kid's diaper.

How you get at it, well, I haven't figured that one out yet.

:7

[msanthrope]

44. As a Yankee season ticket holder in sept. 2001, I merely wonder what took so long.

we are allowed to bring in our arthur avenue sandwiches in clear plastic bags, still.

2001Series we all chanted ' let's go snipers' to the rollcall cadence.

[Missy Vixen]

46. Nope

I'd rather pass through a metal detector. I don't need some TSA wanna-be "patting me down" for the crime of attending a NFL game.

We went to a game two years ago in Seattle. It was a hundred degrees that day. I had on a t-shirt, shorts, socks, running shoes and appropriate underwear. I was patted down anyway. There was nowhere on my person to hide a weapon without visual detection.

How many more of our rights will we have to surrender in the guise of "safety"?

[pipi_k]

47. Where's the "crime"...

that's supposed to be the catalyst for the patdowns? You're not being accused of a crime.


Can't say I would be very happy about them, either, but there's always another side to it.


I'm just sort of wondering how many here wouldn't be pissed off if a guy sneaked a gun into a game and shot them, or a friend or relative. Maybe the friend or relative survives...maybe not. I mean, really...would anyone just say, "Oh well...that's the way it goes...la la la"?

No massive lawsuit against the stadium owners for not trying to keep them safe?

[Missy Vixen]

48. Perhaps, just like the airlines, the NFL needs to do its part first

before patting down those who attend a NFL game.

Significantly restricting the sales of alcohol in all NFL stadiums would be a good start. Not admitting those already drunk would be a plus. If they are so serious about "safety", let them install metal detectors at all entrances. They're not interested in this; after all, it would cost much more than the TSA wanna-bes they have now.

I might also mention that the commissioner has a bug up his ass about NFL stadiums being "family friendly". He seems to believe that the reason why people are not bringing the kids is because there's out-of-control behavior in the stands, not the fact that the average NFL game ticket is over $100 now. The NFL seems to think they'll deal with the drunken assaults, etc., that are occurring all over the league by enacting yet more rules. Uh, no, Mr. Goodell: Install some metal detectors. Start monitoring alcohol consumption, and obey the state laws re: serving those who are already drunk.

Just like the airlines, the pat-downs are window dressing. Unfortunately, fan safety is far down on the NFL's list. They'll get serious about security when there's an issue involving a drunk or mentally ill fan that assaults or injures a player or players during a game.

:eyes:

[pipi_k]

51. Yes, I can see your point about the alcohol

but I did write somewhere up above that were the NFL (or stadium owners) to restrict/ban the sales of alcohol, there would be some out there screeching about the "Nanny State".

Personally, it wouldn't matter to me because I don't drink, but that's not the point.

someone, somewhere, is going to be upset over some "right" being taken away from them, no matter what it is.

As far as the prices go, I have no idea what they are, so I'll take your word for it that they are that high. If that's the case, then I do agree that it's outrageous.

[Missy Vixen]

57. Here's the deal

It's not just NFL ticket prices that are insane. It's concessions, which is why people try to sneak food and booze in. A Budweiser at Seattle's CLink Field (don't get me started,) is $7.50. One beer. As a result, people get really drunk via tailgating beforehand, go into the stadium, have another three or four beers, and then they drive home like that.

I'm sure there would be howls of "nanny state" if the NFL tried to curb the insane amounts of drinking that surround each game, but if they're so into "safety", they're going to have to address it. They're also going to have to address shit they're not interested in getting into, such as the ramping up of "rivalries" like 49ers vs. Raiders that got some people shot at a game recently, or the "show us your boobs" crap at the Jets games. One has to ask oneself why anyone would feel a NFL game was an appropriate place to pack a handgun, but hey, I'm sure they're protecting themselves from high concession prices or something.

Here's my point. Go big, or go home. Install metal detectors at NFL stadiums. Hire those who are professionals at stadium security. Patrol the parking lots, and cite those who are drinking and drunk, underage drinking, etcetera. Start enforcing two-drink limits, and cut alcohol sales off at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Don't violate my civil rights in hopes nobody's going to ask too many questions.

[pipi_k]

61. Well, no doubt

there are people out there who would say the same thing about the beer and things you mentioned, and their rights.

Everyone should have their rights respected,absolutely.

But how do we protect the rights of as many people as we can without violating the rights of others? I don't know any other way to do that than to go half measure...

I know it sucks, but what else can you do?

:shrug:

[Johonny]

50. who can afford to goto an NFL game?

[pipi_k]

52. I wouldn't go even if I could afford it...

drunks...noise...long walks to the rest rooms, lines, pee on the floors...

crappy food

unless you're in row one on the 50 yard line, you're watching ants playing on a green patch. Except if you're watching the Jumbo tron. Which is like my own big screen TV but outdoors and somewhat larger.

and Foxboro in the dead of winter?

forget it.

[dembotoz]

53. this will get interesting in the northern climes when it reachs zero

are chemical hand and foot warmers a terrorist device?

you are right about the concessions

lambeau
small soda 4 bucks
big soda 6 bucks--i admit the big soda is a bladder buster but 6 bucks????
coffee or hot choc 3 or 3 and a half
popcorn 6 for small 8.50 for large
normal beer 7

prices current as of last week when i was working in the concession stand

[devilgrrl]

54. What reactionary bullshit.

:nuke:

[ohheckyeah]

56. This country sucks more every day. n/t

[RockaFowler]

62. Hasn't this been going on already

At the 2003 World Series, my husband & I were both patted down before entering the stadium. Oh yeah and we weren't allowed to bring anything other than a purse for me. I converted a bag into a purse.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

65. "..the land of the free and home of the brave.." LOL, too funny.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[AsahinaKimi]

67. And the 49ers told me They had a special package deal for Season Tickets

Glad I refused.

[Lucian]

68. I'm not going to pay the NFL to search me.

Especially if it's to look for booze.

Fuck them. I don't need my rights violated everywhere I go. I will not give them money from here on out.

And neither should you.