The NFL doesn’t seem to have a problem playing a game in Paris while major portions of France are erupting in protests.
Thousands of high school students in France took to the streets with broad grievances over under-resourced schools. French media have shown videos of scampering rats, collapsed ceilings, leaks, broken furniture and other woes in dilapidated schools, according to the Associated Press.
Police made more than 6,600 arrests nationwide as of last week and a number of students received life-altering injuries.
NFL’s Initial Message to Protests in Paris
The Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints are scheduled to play in Paris on Sunday, Oct. 25. League executives made it clear the game would be going on as planned.
“We’re excited for the first-ever regular season game in Paris, and preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France on October 25,” it said in a statement.
“As we do for every NFL game, including our international games, we work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month.”
Dani Watt Calls out League’s Decision
Dani Watt, the wife of Steelers star pass rusher TJ Watt, wasn’t exactly pleased with the NFL’s decision to go ahead with the game.
Dani, who is a retired NWSL player, reposted a news headline from CBS Pittsburgh to her Instagram Story on Monday, which read, “The NFL says it is continuing forward with plans for the upcoming Steelers-Saints game amid unrest in Paris.”
She added, “Tell me how this makes sense???”
Over the weekend, ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared a new message from the league.
“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” the NFL said. “We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.”
As of now, the game is expected to go ahead as scheduled with kickoff at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday morning.
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