NFL Increases Safety Measures Following Jets v. Cowboy Fan Event
Talk about egg on your face. The NFL is requesting a ramp up on security measures including increasing pat-downs, following an event which occurred at a recent Jets v. Cowboys game. Larry McKelvey, a Cowboys fan who claims to be a Jehovah’s Witness, was sitting during the National Anthem per his religious standards but was allegedly also speaking on his cell phone during the anthem and throughout a requested moment of silence. Surrounding Jets fans took matters into their own hands and started a verbal altercation with the rude man. What followed resulted in the Cowboys fan using his illegal taser on several of the Jets fans.
McKelvey was arrested, and no one was significantly hurt, however speculation over how the gentleman was able to even bring a weapon into the stadium on the weekend of the ten year 9/11 anniversary is cause for concern. The even bigger problem with the occurrence of this event is that former President George W. Bush was in attendance at this game. The potential was there for a much larger tragedy if the circumstances had been different. The MetLife Stadium was reportedly utilizing standard game day procedures at all gates, which is bothersome because the taser was supposedly carried in on the hip of that Cowboy fan, not hidden away.
The NFL is taking this event seriously and requesting all 32 teams to enhance pat-down procedures to include ankle to knee regions. Given that 16.6 million fans are expected to attend the live season NFL regular games this year, this will make entrances take longer for sure. Be prepared and patient. Arrive early, enjoy the pre-game tailgate parties, and don’t let the coming safety changes lessen the fun you can have at these time-tried cherished games. Remember that the changes are for your safety and the safety of those you love.
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