In light of the NFL's rather disapproving position on armed self-defense (and I thought "defense wins championships"), I thought it might make sense to try to gauge the position of the NFLPA (National Football League Players Association)--so this morning, I decided to ask:
I am writing to inquire about the NFLPA's position, if any, on the NFL's firearms policy, which I will quote below: Guns and Weapons PolicyI see that the NFL counts the Players Association among the groups that "urge [players] to recognize that [they] must not possess a gun or other weapon at any time [they] are performing any service for [their] team or the NFL." Did the NFL accurately portray the NFLPA's stance on this issue?
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 in the new place.
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.
If so, and in light of the murders of Darrent Williams and Sean Taylor, how do you justify supporting a policy whereby players are rendered defenseless much of the time?
Another question is how passage in Florida of CS/HB 503, the Preservation & Protection of the Right to Keep & Bear Arms in Motor Vehicles Act of 2008, will affect the NFL's policy (specifically with regard to the prohibition of firearms in NFL facility parking lots) in Florida. If the league attempted, despite this law, to discipline a player who kept a firearm in his vehicle in an NFL-controlled parking lot in Florida, could that player count on the NFLPA's support?
Finally, if players in Florida are indeed recognized as having every right to keep firearms in their vehicles, even when parked at NFL facilities, without being subject to league discipline, is this not somewhat unfair to players who are not members of the Miami Dolphins or Jacksonville Jaguars?
Thank you,
Kurt Hofmann I'll post any reply I get, but I don't recommend holding one's breath.
Stumble it!
5 comments:
Grayhound buss lines does not allow any guns what so ever. I just got back from Georga riding a Grayhound buss and had to smuggle my pistol back with me, and hope they did not conduct baggage inspections.
Not only was it a long and tiring ride but the worry about them finding out I had my handgun added to it all.
Well looking at how often NFL players are convicted of crimes, one might want to add them to the "prohibited persons" list.
Why? Criminals will always have them, no matter their employment of lack thereof. So, that means "prohibited persons" laws are nothing more than feel good attempts to convince the law abiding that something is being done, when if fact these laws are worthless.
The playing field cannot be leveled by restricting the law abiding with strictures that have no effect on the criminal. The playing field can be leveled by removing the penalties for the exercise of our constitutional rights under the second amendment.
It would be of little comfort to a victim of a criminal to know that the bad guy had to break the law and while he was the victim, at least he held the legal high ground, if not the moral high ground. That, of course, assumes the victim is still alive and has an opportunity to consider just how pure he was.
SA,
Do you know what the word facetious means?
Yes I do, Third. I was clarifying for those who don't. Or if you won't buy that, how about this? I missed it. :(
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