NFL Encourages Fans to Send Text Messages to Security Staff to Report Troublemak

HCT · December 30, 2008, 01:55:33 PM

NFL Encourages Fans to Send Text Messages to Security Staff to Report Troublemakers
December 30th, 2008

Via: USA Today:

Count Washington Redskins season-ticket holder Rick Cable as a big supporter of the NFL's new Fan Code of Conduct.

During the Redskins' 23-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 3 at FedEx Field just outside Washington, Cable says, an obnoxious Steelers fan kept waving a "Terrible Towel" in the 47-year-old Cable's face and screaming "Redskins suck!" Rather than escalate the confrontation, the Lusby, Md., resident quietly sent a text message to the stadium's security command center. Security people responded quickly. When the Steelers fan gave them a hard time, he was ejected.

"It worked great," Cable says.

It also reflected how fans are embracing new text-messaging systems that allow fans in NFL stadiums to inconspicuously report drunk or disorderly neighbors without confronting them, a provocative tactic many of the league's 32 teams are using to enforce the conduct code announced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Aug. 5.

Goodell's rules â€" the result of rising concern that fan misconduct was driving some people from games â€" say that patrons who are drunk or disruptive, who use foul language or make obscene gestures or who verbally or physically harass other fans can be refused admission to games, or kicked out of them without refunds. Such fans also can be stripped of their season tickets.

The sweeping attempt to decrease misbehavior in stadiums and parking lots is a "work in progress," says Milt Ahlerich, the NFL's vice president of security. But the initiative, he says, "absolutely is working."

As part of the program, teams are asking the 22.2 million patrons they predict will attend 333 preseason, regular season and playoff games this season to help identify bad apples in the stands.

Fans still are urged to complain to an usher or call a security hotline in the stadium to report unruly behavior. But text-messaging lines â€" typically advertised on stadium scoreboards and on signs where fans gather â€" are aimed at allowing tipsters to surreptitiously alert security personnel via cellphone without getting involved with rowdies or missing part of a game.

There is something wrong with this. It just doesn't sit right with me. mho

Smoking Duck · December 30, 2008, 02:10:20 PM

I don't understand it either.....everyone knows the Redskins suck ::) ;D (Sorry, Begolf25, just couldn't resist)

SD

pensrock · December 30, 2008, 02:50:35 PM

SD ;D ;D ;D

Was that you who got tossed out of the game? ;) ;D

begolf25 · December 30, 2008, 03:27:49 PM

Quote from: Smoking Duck on December 30, 2008, 02:10:20 PM
I don't understand it either.....everyone knows the Redskins suck ::) ;D (Sorry, Begolf25, just couldn't resist)

SD

Man SD, way to rub salt in my wounds!...LOL

Smoking Duck · December 30, 2008, 03:47:42 PM

Sorry, Bryan! I really am......however, feel free to become a Steeler fan at anytime. Apparently, that Redskin fan doesn't have very thick skin. However, I see good things happening for the Redskins in 2009. They are my favorite team in the NFC East ;D

Gizmo · December 30, 2008, 04:58:25 PM

Chargers have been doing this all year. Don't know if anyone has used the texting or how well it works, but the ushers and police are pretty quick to get rid of those that don't make the game enjoyable or safe for others including kids. The Chargers have also limited the sale of alcohol after the 3rd quarter or half time if the Raiders are in town. Seem to have worked this year as there were very few incidences during the game.

When I spend $100 for a ticket, $25 for parking or $10 for bus, $8.50 for a beer, $8.50 for a burger and then multiply that by 2 (or more), I don't understand why other people feel they have the right to be obnoxious, rude, disrespectful, and combative. Sorry, not what I defended this country for. Other's freedoms are not to be intrusive on other's freedoms.

FLBentRider · December 30, 2008, 05:03:09 PM

They have this at Dolphins Stadium as well.

I'm with you on that one giz. especially jet and eagles fans.

IKnowWood · December 30, 2008, 05:19:59 PM

Go Ravens!!!!

IKnowWood · December 30, 2008, 05:21:52 PM

Sorry Had to. Saw a post on Steelers and the Ravens just came to mind. Then the Dolphins, had to put it out there.

Seriously. I have not followed any other then to geek out on the HD feed and the technology on the broadcast to really pay attention to the sport. I barely get the technical aspects of the sport.

I am more a Geek than a sports fan as you can guess.

pensrock · December 30, 2008, 05:52:17 PM

QuoteGo Ravens!!!!

Ravens? You mean there is a football team named the Ravens? I suppose next you'll say there is another team called the Cowboys? ;) ;D ;D ;D

Tenpoint5 · December 31, 2008, 09:34:27 AM

Why is everyone picking on the Raiders?? They didn't do nothing, coarse they ain't done nothing in alot of years.

Gizmo · December 31, 2008, 09:51:23 AM

Don't know who is picking on the Raiders. I actually though they were going to spring back into being competitive after they beat the snot out of the Broncos (no disrespect to Denver but thanks for getting us in the playoffs ;) ). It is just that the Raider fans typically like to take their character to the extreme in the stadium and statistically in the past, they make more arrests during one Raider game in San Diego, then they make during all the rest of the 9 home games (includes the 2 preseason games). It is amazing the lengths the staduim and the Chargers go to for that game. Now this is not to put all the blame on the Raiders either. There are many Charger fans that go out of their way to antagonize and start fights against the Raiders as well. I believe all divisions have their "Special" rivals that equate to the Charger - Raider rivalry described here.

mybad · December 31, 2008, 10:47:17 AM

Hey try to be a Dallas Cowboys fan right now >:(

westexasmoker · December 31, 2008, 11:03:29 AM

Quote from: mybad on December 31, 2008, 10:47:17 AM
Hey try to be a Dallas Cowboys fan right now >:(

Or a Lions fan! ;D

C

Smoking Duck · December 31, 2008, 11:10:02 AM

I think everyone has a right to voice their opinions at games. With that being said, I do also think a person has a right to go to a game and not be insulted personally at said game. I've been to games and have had insults hurled at me (try wearing a Penguins jersey in an arena filled with Red Wings fans). It didn't bother me as I threw it right back (it helped that my brother who is a police officer and was carrying his badge and weapon was with me ;D), however, I think just cause someone pays the price of admission, it doesn't entitle him/her to intimidate or become an arse. My idea would not be to text security but to grab him by the back of the neck and tell him to shut the hell up or there will be dire consequences. I do realize that might not be the best way to tackle the issue, but it is my way ;D and it does add a little more drama to the game :o ;D

Congrats on your team getting to the playoffs Giz. I do think it was a mistake on Denver's part to fire Shanahan though. This oughta be a great year for playoffs. I'm really hoping for a win by SD and Miami this week.