It’s well known the commissioner of the NFL is anti-gun, now it seems that the NFL is as well, since they are asking for pat down procedures at all their games. Many of these stadiums receive public funding, and are publicly owned. Perhaps it’s time for us to use our lobby muscle to either get the money pulled, or force these publicly funded/subsidized venues to obey the Constitution.
I should note that as a private entity, I think the NFL, or any sports league or franchise, is free to ban weapons of any sort at their games. However, when they accept public, taxpayer money to pay for their stadiums, that changes the equation. If you’re going to receive my tax dollars, you should respect my rights.
” If you’re going to receive my tax dollars, you should respect my rights.”
So lets skip over the NFL and head for the airlines, airports, and TSA.
Another reason not to go to an NFL game.
If they are really concerned about it and want to post no gun why don’t they do metal detectors or something less invasive. I don’t want to be groped or have my children groped. When I go to an NBA game here in Dallas we go through metal detectors and at least that way I can avoid having people pat me down unnecessarily. (And if you have a platinum ticket you just get wanded and not even through a full metal detector).
Texas state law expressly prohibits concealed carry at any professional sporting event.
(2) on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place, unless the license holder is a participant in the event and a handgun is used in the event
http://www.bakers-legal-pages.com/pc/46035.htm
I think the best way to convince NFL owners is to stop going to the stadiums, stop watching until they help force the legislators to respect our rights.
Bob S: Michigan law forbids concealed carry at ‘entertainment venues with more than 2500 seats.’
Some locals are occasionally confused as to why the movie theatre megaplex will post a sign at the door stating ‘This venue has more than 2500 seats’. There’s a reason, but few non-CCW people are aware of it.
“However, when they accept public, taxpayer money to pay for their stadiums, that changes the equation. If you’re going to receive my tax dollars, you should respect my rights.”
If they’ve received your tax dollars, they already disrespected your rights. They get to decide how you will spend your money, why shouldn’t they get to decide where you carry?
Football is the American circus. Get on some sort of welfare program, shut up, and watch the game.
Maybe the NFL should institute the same policy that the Philadelphia Philles. The Phillies operate a gun check for their guest who chose to exercise their Constitutional rights on the way to and from a Phillies game.
The police reads:
Weapons:
Firearms, weapons, knives, tasers and other dangerous or hazardous devices or substances (collectively “weapons”) are prohibited at Citizens Bank Park, unless carried by an on-duty police officer or otherwise expressly approved by The Phillies. Anyone bringing such a weapon to the premises should return it to their vehicle immediately or check it at the Police Room/Command Center before entering the ballpark.
Source:
http://mlb.mlb.com/phi/ballpark/information/index.jsp?content=code_of_conduct
If a property owner wants to require patrons to disarm, they must provide secure and convenient storage, effective security, and take positive responsibility and lability for the welfare of the patrons they disarmed. This will probably require new laws. Imho, of course
The dangerous persons are their players. The joke used to be that a Dallas Cowboys huddle was a probation violation.