Jags ban fans who threw objects at Seahawks
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that officials have banned four fans responsible for throwing objects during Sunday’s game at Ever-Bank Field, some of those items just missing Seattle Seahawks players.
The Jaguars said in a news release that the investigation — conducted in cooperation with NFL security and local law enforcement officials — concluded the four had thrown a total of five objects, including “plastic cups with ice and liquid, a bag of popcorn and a plastic bottle.” While they will be barred from attending events at the stadium and could have their season tickets revoked, no criminal charges or names of the individuals were announced.
The team also didn’t say whether any of the four were responsible for tossing two objects in the direction of Seahawks defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson late in Sunday’s game. Jefferson, who had been ejected, was walking to the locker room when the first object flew over his head. He attempted to climb into the seating area after what appeared to be a drink was tossed in his direction.
“We’re grateful for the immediate response by stadium security personnel to the situation,” the Jaguars said in the statement. “The Jacksonville Jaguars and our stadium partners are firmly committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all who visit EverBank Field, including fans and members of the visiting team. It is unfortunate that the actions of a few would tarnish the reputation of the Jaguars fan base and the positive, electric game-day atmosphere at yesterday’s game.”
NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart told reporters on a conference call earlier Mon- day that the league was working with the Jaguars to help identify the fans.
“The home team does have responsibility for security, and we work closely with all 32 clubs on those issues,” Lockhart said. “We are going to be be looking into it and talking to both clubs about a variety of things out of that game, practically at the end when we had a series of ejections, on-field issues and (Jefferson) leaving the field.”
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a series of scans Monday and a decision on his status will come down to the evaluations of team physician Patrick McKenzie and several specialists who are being consulted.
Coach Mike McCarthy said the quarterback’s return from a broken right collarbone suffered eight weeks ago will depend on the medical evaluations. Asked when he would know whether Rodgers would be available for the Carolina Panthers game Sunday, he said, “I don’t have a timeline.”
Commissioner Roger Goodell said on CNBC he does not believe free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been “blackballed” and the league is open to meeting with him at any time.
When asked directly if he believes Kaepernick should be playing in the NFL right now, Goodell said, “Every club’s got to make those decisions.” The commissioner was then asked about the belief that Kaepernick, who has yet to sign with a team after becoming a free agent in March, is being blackballed, a viewpoint expressed by NBA star LeBron James, among others. “I don’t agree with that,” Goodell said. “Again, I think our teams are making the best decisions for what they need as a football team.”