California Bill Would Ban Violent Fans From Pro Sports
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBS13/AP) — A bill introduced in the state Assembly could have violent sports fans watching their favorite teams from the couch.
AB2464 by Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Los Angeles would create a "ban list" barring unruly fans from attending professional sports games anywhere in the state. The bill's official title is Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act.
Once fans are on the list, they would be banned from attending any professional sporting event in California for up to five years.
Fans caught violating the ban could be fined up to $10,000 and put in jail for up to a year.
The ban would apply only to those convicted of felonies, such as assault.
Gatto says his bill is intended to prevent violence such as last year's near-fatal beating of San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow. It would apply to professional sporting events showcasing teams from Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, National Football League, and Major League Soccer.
Teams from those professional leagues located in California would help fund a Stadium Violence Reward Fund by depositing $10,000 a year into the fund until the fund reaches $180,000.
Bryan Stow is still recovering from being beaten outside Dodgers Stadium last year. Just this month, he moved to a new rehab facility because he no longer need constant medical care.
