NFL Guns and Weapons Policy
December 1, 2008 by David Kindervater
Filed under NFL - NFL
National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
With Plaxico Burress being arrested on weapons possession charges, the NFL reissued their “Guns and Weapons Policy” today. This policy applies to all employees of the NFL and its member clubs, including players.
Prohibitions. Whether possessed legally or illegally, guns and other weapons of any kind are dangerous. You and your family can easily be the losers if you carry or keep these items in your home. You must not possess these weapons while traveling on League-related business or whenever you are on the premises of the following:
- A facility owned, operated or being used by an NFL club (for example, training camp, dormitory, locker room, workout site, parking area, team bus, team plane, team hotel/motel);
- A stadium or any other venue being used for an NFL event (for example, a game, practice or promotion);
- A facility owned or operated by the NFL or any League company. Put simply, the League, the Players Association and law enforcement authorities urge you to recognize that you must not possess a gun or other weapon at any time you are performing any service for your team or the NFL.
Legal Possession. In some circumstances, such as for sport or protection, you may legally possess a firearm or other weapon. However, we strongly recommend that you not do so. Any weapon, particularly a firearm, is dangerous—especially so when it is in a vehicle or within reach of children and others not properly trained in its use.
Understanding the Law. If you legally possess a weapon, you must understand the local, state and federal laws that apply. The NFL Security Representative in your area will help you get information about these laws. You should be aware that if you take a weapon from one place to another — for example, across state lines — a different set of laws may apply.
Discipline. If you violate this policy on guns and other weapons, you are subject to discipline, including suspension from playing. And if you violate a public law covering weapons — for example, possession of an unlicensed firearm — you are not only subject to discipline, including suspension from playing, but also subject to criminal prosecution.
Remember, be careful and understand the risks.
Source: NFL Media
Ravens: Half own guns
At least half of the Ravens’ players own a gun, according to a team official.
Darren Sanders, the Ravens’ head of security, estimates the number of players on the team who own guns mirrors the rest of the NFL, a figure which gained national attention this week following comments made by Miami’s Joey Porter. The linebacker defended Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, who is facing jail time for having a concealed handgun without a permit at a New York City nightclub last month.
“You’ve got a constitutional right to bear arms,” said Sanders, who spent 17 years with the Baltimore City Police Department. “We have a number of players who are hunters, but many who feel they need a gun for protection. There are plenty of athletes and celebrities that have been shot and/or killed in recent years, so they feel the need to protect themselves.”
Here’s why NFL players may feel compelled to own a gun:
http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/sports/121108ravens.html
Yes, you have a constitutional right to bear arms, but you shouldn’t be taking a 9mm semi-automatic with you for a night on the town. If you’re so concerned about your safety that you think you might need to use a gun wherever you are going, stay home.