A Las Vegas police Lieutenant has offered players his phone number in case they find themselves in an unwanted situation in the immediate the fallout to two Raiders stars getting in a hotel scuffle.
Less than a week out from the season opener in Sin City, Canberra stars Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies were caught in a late-night altercation inside an elevator in the team’s hotel.
The pair are facing sanctions from the Raiders as both were evicted from the premises due to an inflatable baseball bat being mistaken for a weapon.
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Raiders coach Ricky Stuart addressed the incident on Monday before Young and Smithies fronted cameras on Tuesday (Australian time) to offer their personal apologies.
Las Vegas police Lieutenant Kendall Bell speaks to Today. Nine
Police did not become involved in the incident, however, the nature of the altercation was not an unfamiliar story for Las Vegas lieutenant Kendall Bell.
“In my time playing sports over the years, I have often had scuffles with my teammates,” Bell told Nine’s Today on Tuesday.
“They said it was over a room reservation but I would have to think maybe the alcohol had something to do with it.
“I don’t think it is a huge deal. [The inflatable baseball bat] they get those with drinks… I’m sure it was part of the drinks package.”
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Bell noted the NRL‘s work in ensuring the event’s procedures will not be overshadowed by off-field incidents, with player safety and security remaining at the top of the league’s priorities.
But while emphasis on security remains high, Bell declared his team will remain committed to ensuring the welfare of all in attendance.
“I will give (you) my number and if you have any problems, feel free to call me,” he told Today host Karl Stefanovic, who will be in attendance at the historic event.
“I offered the same to all the players. If they ever needed anything, even a restaurant location, they all have my number.
“The NRL is very involved,” he continued.
“They want to make sure the players come here and have a good sense of what to expect in Las Vegas.
“They give them the resources to make sure they are safe and have a good time. I’m very impressed with that operation.”
All the action in Las Vegas will kick off with a Super League clash on Sunday, with the Jillaroos also facing England on a card that features two NRL clashes, finishing with the reigning premiers Penrith taking on the Sharks.
