KANSAS CITY, Mo. – NFL security is investigating whether a fan attempted to shine a laser into the face of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during their AFC championship game victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.
Local television stations posted footage Tuesday that showed a green light flashing on Brady late in the Patriots’ 37-31 overtime victory. At least two instances occurred on their go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter, including a crucial 25-yard pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Laser pointers are banned at most sporting events because of the potential for distraction and safety reasons. The light can damage the retina in the eye after even a short period of time.
The NFL has dealt with the issue in the past, including a Monday night game in Mexico two years ago in which then-Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler was caught in the eye multiple times.
• The end zones and sidelines at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta already are painted with the Patriots and Rams names and colors. Most other necessary updates and modifications also are complete for the Super Bowl on Feb. 3, including the installation of equipment for the pregame and halftime shows.
But one major question remains unanswered: Will the retractable roof for the $1.5 billion stadium be open?
Officials for the NFL and the stadium are eager to show off the facility’s most distinctive feature, but even a billion dollars can’t buy a guarantee of good weather.
Atlanta got an ice storm for its last Super Bowl following the 2000 season.
CHIEFS: Kansas City fired defensive coordinator Bob Sutton on Tuesday, just two days after Kansas City failed to stop the Patriots on what turned out to be the only possession of overtime in a 37-31 playoff defeat.
RAIDERS: Marshawn Lynch will officially be an unrestricted free agent in March, and Coach Jon Gruden still doesn’t know if he’s healthy enough, or even wants, to play football.
Lynch turns 33 in April, and missed the final 10 games of last season with a groin injury that landed him on injured reserve during the Raiders’ Week 7 bye.
“I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know yet,” Gruden said. “I think when we get back after the Super Bowl, we’ll have a lot better indication on his health and his desires, what he wants to do. I’m sure if he wants to play, somebody like me would love to have him back.”
Lynch impressed in his first six games of 2018, running for 376 yards on 90 carries and a touchdown in each of his first three games. He also caught 15 passes for 84 yards, and flashed speed and tackle-breaking ability reminiscent of the old Lynch.
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