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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 449-05
December 1, 2005

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION INCREASING PENALTIES FOR UNRULY BEHAVIOR BY FANS AT SPORTING EVENTS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me is Introductory Number 528-A sponsored by Council Members Vallone, Addabbo, Fidler, Gennaro, Jennings, Katz, Koppell, Nelson, Recchia, Rivera, Vann, Seabrook, Gentile and Liu. This bill sets specific penalties for unruly behavior by fans at sporting events.

"Intro. 528-A specifically makes it illegal for any person other than a sports participant to subject a sports participant to physical contact or to contact with any substance, object or dangerous instrument during the course of a major sporting event, with the intent to cause physical injury or to disrupt an event. Additionally, this bill would make it illegal for an individual to place, drop, or hurl any substance, object or dangerous instrument onto the playing area of a major sports venue with the intent to disrupt that event.

"The penalties for these violations range, depending on the infraction committed, from imprisonment of up to one year, fines of up to one thousand dollars, and civil penalties of up to twenty-five thousand dollars.

"Unruly behavior by sports fans is unacceptable. This bill is a commonsense measure to protect athletes and to send a message to fans that unacceptable behavior will be met with swift and stern justice.

"I would like to thank the Police Department and the City Council for their work on this bill."







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Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958




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