Fans arriving at NFL stadiums yesterday "encountered bomb-sniffing dogs, state troopers in parking lots and other measures designed to boost public safety two days after the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris," according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. Event staff for Bears-Rams at Edward Jones Dome "wore red shirts and jackets with the word 'SECURITY' in large yellow letters." Previously, their shirts "had been a less visible shade of yellow with black lettering." The Giants "asked media members not to take video of security outside gates" at MetLife Stadium. But a few of the enhancements "were visible to fans and media on the scene" (ESPN.com, 11/15). In Newark, Andrew Wyrich writes it seemed as if Giants and Patriots fans "were treating Sunday’s game as they would any other," despite various law enforcement agencies making their presence felt. Fans said that law-enforcement precautions "made them feel safe" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 11/16). In Baltimore, Alexander Pyles notes supportive signs hung and French flags "flew from the stands of M&T Bank Stadium" during Jaguars-Ravens, but "little else changed before, during or after" the game. Maryland State Police and Baltimore City Police, including K-9 units, "were slightly more visible than usual," and there "seemed to be more stadium security personnel wearing their recognizable red windbreakers inside and outside the stadium." But lines to get inside "were no longer than on an ordinary NFL Sunday, and search procedures were the same as they had been in the Ravens' previous three home games" (Baltimore SUN, 11/16). In Baton Rouge, Ted Lewis writes the heightened security "didn’t mean much more than business as usual at FedEx Field" for Saints-Redskins, but business as usual in DC "includes police in camouflage carrying M-4 rifles" (Baton Rouge ADVOCATE, 11/16).
NBA, NHL HOLD MOMENTS OF SILENCE: The AP's Daniel Girard noted arenas around the NBA "held moments of silence for the victims in Paris" (AP, 11/14). The CP's Stephen Whyno noted a moment of silence was held before each NHL game, "often accompanied by the blue-white-and-red French flag and other Parisian symbols." For the first time this season, the NHL "mandated metal detectors for fans, employees and players" (CP, 11/14).
RODGERS CALLS OUT FAN: In Chicago, JB Blanchard noted Packers fans during what was supposed to be a moment of silence honoring the Paris victims "were saying a couple of prejudicial chants towards Muslims such as 'Death to Muslims,' and 'Muslims suck.'" Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is "receiving a lot of praise on social media for making his press conference about this very unfortunate issue and calling out the obviously narrow-minded fans" (SUNTIMES.com, 11/15). USA TODAY's Gerry Ahern writes some athletes "shirk social responsibility," but Rodgers should not be counted among them. Rodgers during his postgame conference said, "I was very disappointed with whoever the fan was that made a comment that was very inappropriate during the moment of silence. It’s that kind of prejudicial ideology that puts us in the position we are today as a world" (USA TODAY, 11/16).
