Lanier said the ever-changing nature of technology makes it difficult to predict what threats will come nextMARC BRYAN-BROWN
NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier will testify in front of the U.S. Senate today about the greatest threats to the league’s safety. Lanier yesterday provided a glimpse into her testimony at SBJ’s '18 Game Changers conference. Two of the items on her agenda are drones and autonomous vehicles. “Because of technology, things change so much faster now,” said Lanier. “Things are so difficult to predict. People ask what keeps me up at night -- it’s the speed of change.” The safety of the NFL’s players and fans takes precedence, but that is far from all that is on Lanier’s plate. During her 30-minute interview, Lanier discussed the potential impact of Hurricane Florence as it bears down on the coast of the Carolinas, legalized gambling and cyber threats. “The storm is impacting every mode of transportation across the Southeast,” Lanier said. “We have eight or nine stadium locations that could be impacted. And we really have to pay attention to how the local law enforcement is strained and whether they can provide security.” Lanier, a former DC police chief, also said she would like to play a role in changing the perception about athletes. When asked about incidents involving player violence, Lanier reached into her past to respond. “DC used to be known as the murder capital of the world. Even though it’s now one of the safest, most beautiful cities in America, it’s so hard to shed that image,” she said. “I feel the same about what I encountered at the NFL. There’s a perception that players are always in trouble and they’re involved in domestic violence. What I want people to know is that the players are more likely to be the victim of crime than to be involved in a crime.”
