Should fans be allowed to bring guns to NFL games?
On May 8th the Missouri State House Rules Committee issued a proposal to lift restrictions on carrying guns in places like Arrowhead. What does this entail?
Missourinet.com contributor Alex Derosier broke the news about this new proposed rule change. As Missouri law currently stands, guns are prohibited in public places such as bars, casinos, universities, churches, and stadiums capable of holding 5,000 people or greater.
This bill, should it become law, would eliminate these restrictions allowing for guns to be taken into many locations once off limits. Professional sports teams across the state are testifying against this proposal. Privately owned stadiums would have no issue as those rules can be set by the owners. However, this will create muddy waters for publicly owned stadiums and venues. Who would get the jurisdiction and ruling authority should lawsuits arise? This question is being asked by those who are against or wary of this proposal.
Privately owned companies that lease publicly owned land can ban or allow guns at their discretion. This is the situation that Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium are in. The Truman Sports Complex is owned by Jackson County, MO but also in contract with a private owner. The Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals have both taken stances against this proposal due to the many potential issues and lawsuits this could spawn. The Representative who drafted the proposal, Jared Taylor, has said that despite the concerns expressed by the Chiefs and Cardinals, he has no plans to see amendments made.
This bill is slated to hit the House to be reviewed and perfected, however, it may get lost under the mounds of other legislation currently under review. We may not hear of this bill again during this session.
Opinion Time
Now here comes the fun stuff, opinions. I’d like to make it clear, that the opinions expressed here are my own. Alright, here we go.
If you ask me, guns should not be allowed anywhere that alcohol is involved nor in places where people can get fired up such as at sporting events. Just imagine the chaos of a gun being pulled during a bar fight. Picture the potential bloodshed from two fired up fans arguing over their teams—especially in the hands of a Raiders fan! (Sorry, I can’t resist taking a stab at our rivals.) One can’t really blame the Chiefs and Cardinals for taking a stance against this bill, nor any other venue affected by this for being wary of potential problems it could create.
On the other hand, imagine you are watching a bar fight unfold. Someone gets too angry and pulls a gun. Perhaps the bartender or a sober patron could draw their weapon and halt the situation. Something similar could play out in any sports stadium or affected venue.
As is the case with most situations, there are many sides to every story. Personally, I’m not in favor of this bill as it stands. Perhaps after some revision that stance could change. For now though, I am not in favor of this. I personally believe in responsible gun ownership. Treat your guns with respect and don’t be stupid with them. If I had to make any changes to this bill, I’d say leave the decision to allow guns or not in certain places up to the authorities that govern those establishments. For example, the President of Metropolitan Community College could make the call about letting guns be present on any of their campuses.
Well Addicts, it’s your turn. How do you feel about this bill? What changes would you make? Let me know! Thanks for reading and Go Chiefs!