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Bills accused of stifling fans
Posted: Wednesday December 28, 2005 2:43PM; Updated: Wednesday December 28, 2005 2:43PM
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Among the many disgruntled Buffalo Bills season-ticket holders, Mike Allenbaugh looked forward to having the chance to voice his frustrations at the team's final home game by holding up a sign of protest.
After checking the team's stadium policy, Allenbaugh came up with a sign that read: "firE coacheS dumP maNagement" -- the capital letters aligned to spell out ESPN, the national cable-TV network which broadcast the Dec. 17 game in which Denver defeated Buffalo 28-17.
Allenbaugh, however, never had a chance to hold up his sign. Ralph Wilson Stadium security officials confiscated it shortly before kickoff after first threatening to have him ejected.
"It's just ridiculous," Allenbaugh said this week. "I can go in there and say, 'Go Bills.' I can go in there and say, 'Go Patriots.' Why can't I say, 'I don't like you as a manager.' That makes no sense to me whatsoever."
Allenbaugh, a 23-year-old Air Force veteran, wasn't alone. He was one of several fans who had their letters published in The Buffalo News last weekend, accusing the Bills of stifling free speech after witnessing security officials confiscate negative signs, T-shirts, and even the paper bags some fans wore over their heads.
"Just because the management and coaching is awful, where do they get off violating our First Amendment right to freedom of speech?" Allenbaugh wrote. "From now on, if you go to a sporting event, sit in your seat and don't make a noise until the front office says you can."
The Bills did not return several messages left by The Associated Press.
The team's stadium policy posted on its Web site reads in part: "Banners and signs are permitted generally, but any such item deemed by management to be dangerous, inappropriate, or which obstructs the view for other guests will be removed. Flags or banners that are commercial or offensive in nature or attached to poles are prohibited."
Bills accused of stifling fans
Posted: Wednesday December 28, 2005 2:43PM; Updated: Wednesday December 28, 2005 2:43PM
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Among the many disgruntled Buffalo Bills season-ticket holders, Mike Allenbaugh looked forward to having the chance to voice his frustrations at the team's final home game by holding up a sign of protest.
After checking the team's stadium policy, Allenbaugh came up with a sign that read: "firE coacheS dumP maNagement" -- the capital letters aligned to spell out ESPN, the national cable-TV network which broadcast the Dec. 17 game in which Denver defeated Buffalo 28-17.
Allenbaugh, however, never had a chance to hold up his sign. Ralph Wilson Stadium security officials confiscated it shortly before kickoff after first threatening to have him ejected.
"It's just ridiculous," Allenbaugh said this week. "I can go in there and say, 'Go Bills.' I can go in there and say, 'Go Patriots.' Why can't I say, 'I don't like you as a manager.' That makes no sense to me whatsoever."
Allenbaugh, a 23-year-old Air Force veteran, wasn't alone. He was one of several fans who had their letters published in The Buffalo News last weekend, accusing the Bills of stifling free speech after witnessing security officials confiscate negative signs, T-shirts, and even the paper bags some fans wore over their heads.
"Just because the management and coaching is awful, where do they get off violating our First Amendment right to freedom of speech?" Allenbaugh wrote. "From now on, if you go to a sporting event, sit in your seat and don't make a noise until the front office says you can."
The Bills did not return several messages left by The Associated Press.
The team's stadium policy posted on its Web site reads in part: "Banners and signs are permitted generally, but any such item deemed by management to be dangerous, inappropriate, or which obstructs the view for other guests will be removed. Flags or banners that are commercial or offensive in nature or attached to poles are prohibited."