When you enter the stadium to attend an NFL game, there is a long list of items that you are not allowed to carry. That includes things such as large bags, outside food or beverages, noisemakers, or anything that could be used as a projectile or as a weapon. But what about a t-shirt that says Josh “f***ing” Allen?
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Apparently not. Or at least, that’s what one fan allegedly found out during their most recent trip to Highmark Stadium.
According to an “irate” Redditor, “My daughter (19) attended the Bills game Thursday, September 18. She wore her ‘Josh F***ing Allen’ shirt. It’s a pretty popular T-shirt at Bills games.”
While the fan’s daughter was standing in line, she was reportedly approached by a police officer, who promptly informed her that a “profane shirt” is not to be worn inside the stadium. The problem was that it was the only shirt that she had worn to the event.
The person who made the post, vented his frustration in the r/buffalobills Reddit thread…
“She offered to turn it inside-out. He said ‘No — you have to throw it out. Now.’ She insisted she was not going to take her shirt off (she only had a bra on underneath) but he said, ‘give up the shirt or go home.’ Her friend’s dad helped cover her up as she removed the shirt. She went to throw it out, but the cop said ‘give it to me.’ She complied, not wanting further problems/embarrassment. Her friend gave her a sweatshirt to wear,” wrote the user on Reddit.
After the interaction was over, the fan’s daughter apparently remarked along the lines of “What happened to freedom of speech? First Jimmy Kimmel, now me?” That comment was allegedly met with a threat of physical harm by the fan standing in front of her in the line.
Once she was finally inside the stadium, things became more frustrating. “A guy sitting next to her told her he’d been made to turn his JFA shirt inside out,” wrote the Bills fan.
To some, it may make sense not to allow someone to wear such a shirt. After all, the NFL is deemed to be a ‘family-friendly’ product that sees numerous children in attendance for every game.
On the other hand, several fans were quick to point out the hypocrisy of enforcing such a rule, specifically in Buffalo. “As if the most profane thing you’re going to see/hear at a Bills game is ‘Josh F**king Allen.” Sorry this happened to her,” commented a Reddit user.
Others noted that they’ve had similar experiences while trying to attend NFL events. “I got told to remove my “F**k Miami” shirt a while back. I was told it was because it was a nationally televised game, which kind of makes sense.”
There’s certainly something about how a sport as violent and potentially crippling as football is so sensitive about swearing. But then, the NFL is still a business at the end of the day, which means that they will continue to make the stands a “safe space” for everyone.
Like it or not, these are the times in which we live. And you need to keep that in mind before picking out your next game-day outfit.
