NFL steps up security amid shock, sorrow
Shock, sadness — and stepped up security. That’s how the sports world is reacting to the terrorist attacks Friday in Paris that has claimed the lives of at least 129 people.
The NFL released a statement Saturday vowing to increase the presence of security and law enforcement officials both inside and outside of stadiums for this weekend’s games, including Sunday’s game in Oakland between the Raiders and Minnesota Vikings.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league has been told by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI “that there are no known threats against NFL stadiums.”
To help expedite security lines, the league’s statement also said, “We strongly recommend that fans do not bring bags with them to the stadium.” NBA’s French players react: Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca admitted he had a hard time focusing on basketball Friday night.
The Saint-Etienne, France, native was worried about the safety of his family in Paris. He didn’t get confirmation they were all safe until after New Orleans’ 100-81 loss at Toronto, and he was especially concerned for a cousin who was at the soccer game between France and Germany at a stadium rocked by the sound of nearby explosions.
“It’s just a crazy world. You think you’re safe, you’re just walking down the street and the next thing you know, people start shooting,” Ajinca said.
Ajinca wrote “Pray for Paris” on his sneakers and asked his Twitter followers to “Pray for my family and friends” prior to the game.
After Pacers center Ian
Mahinmi used Twitter to express his condolences Friday night, he issued a long statement Saturday thanking friends and fans for their support.
The Rouen, France, native who played on the 2014 national team said, “While I am comforted in that my family and friends in that area are safe, I’m pained by the loss suffered by my country and those affected by this horrific event. It both saddens and sickens me that some have little or no regard for human life, not only in this particular circumstance but also in everyday life.”
In Chicago, the Hornets’ Nicolas Batum and Bulls’ Joakim Noah shared a moment prior to their game. Batum is from Lisieux, France and played for the French national
team at the 2012 Olympics. Noah’s father is French former tennis player Yannick Noah.
Batum said he stayed on his phone as long as possible before the game trying to locate his family. He has a sister who lives near the site of one of the attacks.
“I talked to my sister and some friends and everybody is all right,” Batum said. “They’re shocked. They told me Paris is like a war outside. Everybody is outside. The police are outside. The army is outside.”
In other news from the sports world after the attacks:
Germany’s players were given the day off Saturday after spending the night at the Stade de France after two explosions went off outside during the game between Germany and France. The World Cup champions landed in Frankfurt on a chartered flight, and team manager Oliver Bierhoff said the players should “first take a deep breath and be with their loved ones.”
The soccer friendly between England and France in London will go ahead as planned on Tuesday.
French authorities canceled the rest of the Trophee Bompard figure skating competition in Paris. American Gracie Gold was leading the field in the ladies’ event after scoring a personal best 73.32 points in an almost flawless short program on Friday.
U.S. Figure Skating said it fully supported the move, adding it is working with local authorities to “to ensure the quick and safe return of Team USA.”