The NFL is suddenly finding itself at odds with Nevada’s largest police union as the 2024 season is set to begin.
Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, warned officers in an internal video that the league will be using facial recognition software, not only on the fans, but on cops as well.
‘They’re going to take your biometric data — your face – and they’re going to use that however they need to,’ Grammas said in a video.
‘And they’re going to extend that to their NFL family partners to use your information should they need to.’
As Grammas sees it, the danger is that the information could end up ‘in the hands of people who are anti-cop that support a different agenda than what law and order supports.’
Steve Grammas (left), president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, warned officers that the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell (right) will use facial software in 2024
A member of the Las Vegas Metro Police dept. stands watch prior to the Super Bowl LVIII
Grammas is so concerned about facial recognition being used on officers that he’s urging officers to refuse to work Raiders games during the regular season, when he says the policy will be enacted.
However, an NFL spokesperson told DailyMail.com that the program was launched during the ongoing preseason.
For now, Grammas says, attorneys on both sides of the issue are attempting to resolve the matter, which he says can be fixed by reinstating the previous credentialing process using wristbands and proxy cards.
The NFL has responded to Grammas in a statement provided to DailyMail.com, effectively saying that the security tweaks will go ahead as planned.
‘We recognize the importance of our public safety partners and appreciate their efforts to ensure a safe gameday environment. We’ve had productive conversations with the LVPPA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department about our modernized, secure credentialing system for all working staff,’ read the statement provided to DailyMail.com.
‘The credentialing system will enhance security at our stadiums, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to address any questions or concerns raised.’
A Las Vegas Metro Police spokesperson told DailyMail.com that the department ‘is currently working with the National Football League (NFL)’ and it hopes ‘to have a resolution shortly.’
The NFL’s new policy only applies to those with working credentials, including vendors and media.
The system was tested by six franchises during the 2023 season, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy explained on social media earlier this month.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk