Byran Stow is a Reminder to Fans Everywhere Why Stadium Security is Important

The NFL recently announced a plan to beef up security at its stadiums by not allowing fans to bring in all sorts of bags and coolers into games. As could be expected the plan has been met wit a lot of criticism by the majority of fans--you know, folks that have no intention of ever doing anything wrong.

But folks like that are not why we have security It's because of a small, select few that have no problem putting others in harm's way.

Guys--this will affect the ladies more than us, but the new rules essentially make it a no-no to carry anything but a zip-loc bag or an official, clear NFL tote. The idea was somewhat spawned by the Boston Marathon bombs that were dropped off in a couple of large duffell bags.

Imagine if something like those two bombs were smuggled into an NFL stadium where there are thousands of people packed into a relatively tight space. Kinda scary...

Those that object will likely say that we shouldn't let the idiots that do these things change how we live; that when we do that they win. What those folks need to realize is that if making a change makes it harder for them to do something like the Boston bombings than we--the sane fans that just want to watch a ball game--win.

Stadium security needs to be improved anyway, Boston bombing or not. Too often when we turn on the news we find out about fan violence causing serious harm to someone; sometimes in a life-threatening or life-altering way.

Like San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow.

For those that do not remember, Stow was at Dodgers Stadium in LA a couple years ago for Opening Day when he was attacked and nearly beaten to death outside of the stadium in the parking lot. He didn't do anything to provoke the attack other than be a fan of the visiting team.

Stow only recently went home. He has been in a hospital or facility of some kind getting round-the-clock treatment and care due to the injuries he suffered during the attack. Thanks to those injuries the father of two will never be the same. He will not be going back to work as a paramedic. No, instead he is going to need to be cared for every day for the rest of his life.

All because he happened to be a fan of the other team.

Oh--and he is only going home because the insurance company has stopped covering his care. His family released a statement you can read here.

But what does this have to do with bags and purses at NFL stadiums? Stow was assaulted in the parking lot and not with anything carried in a bag.

Stow is not the only person to be attacked at a ball game. Heck, there was a fight in the stands at the Pro Bowl last year--the Pro Bowl! A simple search online turns up countless examples of fan violence, some with serious injuries and some without. Regardless of the weapon of choice the facts are clear--games are getting dangerous to attend.

I mention Stow because he is a perfect example of what can happen when fans get out of control. No, an absence of purses would not have helped him, but what's to say that it will not save someone else's life?

The Stow Family is suing Dodgers Stadium but there is no telling how long the suit could be dragged out. They estimate the cost of caring for Bryan to be well into the millions. No one has to do anything, but I sure hope some athletes, baseball players and otherwise, step up to help these folks out.

If you want to learn more or help go here.

If you want to learn more about the new NFL rules go here.