Las Vegas – The tension between local law enforcement and the NFL took center stage recently as the Las Vegas police union made it clear they would not follow the league’s new access policy at Allegiant Stadium. Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, announced that the officers would only wear wristbands to enter the stadium, rejecting the NFL’s request for photo identification and biometric measures.
This situation unfolded just hours before the Las Vegas Raiders faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason matchup. During an early morning discussion with NFL security officials, Grammas highlighted that the police union explicitly told the league they had no intention of compromising on the issue. He noted that officers were ready to take a stand at the gates, stating, “They didn’t like it, but they didn’t have a choice.”
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Sheriff Kevin McMahill supported this decision, adding strength to the officers’ resolve. Grammas described their stance as unwavering, confirmed by a statement from the department backing the union when tensions began rising before the Raiders’ earlier preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.
In response to these developments, the NFL did not provide immediate comments but had previously released a statement outlining their new security plan. The league emphasized that access photos would only serve to confirm an individual’s identity and not for any unrelated purposes. They acknowledged the vital role of public safety partners in creating a secure environment during game days.
The NFL mentioned that they had productive discussions with local officials about their new credentialing system aimed at improving security at stadiums across the league. However, it remains to be seen how this matter will unfold as both parties navigate their respective positions.
