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SEC opposes any Arkansas efforts allowing concealed carry at sporting events
The SEC supports an amendment to Arkansas’ concealed weapons law that would prevent people from being able to legally bring concealed weapons into sporting events.
A law signed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) last week would have allowed concealed weapons holders who take eight hours additional training to bring a concealed gun into any sporting event in the state including Arkansas Razorbacks football games. The day after the law was signed, the Arkansas Senate overhwelmingly approved an amendment to the law that exempts sports — in addition to other locations — from the law.
“It is our desire to see athletic events and sports venues exempted from HB 1249,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement.
“Given the intense atmosphere surrounding athletic events, adding weapons increases safety concerns and could negatively impact the intercollegiate athletics program at the University of Arkansas in several ways, including scheduling, officiating, recruiting and attendance.
“HB 1249 creates concerns for the Southeastern Conferences and its member institutions. It remains our collective desire to provide a safe environment for student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans and will continue to closely monitor the status of this legislation.”
After the amendment was passed exempting sporting events from the new law, Hutchinson changed course and said he’d support the exemption. He previously cited football games while exclaiming about the law.
We’re guessing Hutchinson was also swayed, at least in part, by overwhelming feedback against the law. While Arkansas athletics haven’t issued an official statement on the issue, a spokesperson for the school has previously pointed to the fact that the school’s trustees have never voted to allow concealed weapons on campus.
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Nick Bromberg is the editor of Dr. Saturday and From the Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
