Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Jon Collins
St. Paul

NFL, U win appeal of gun case involving off-duty cops

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Updated: 2:15 p.m. | Posted: 1:25 p.m.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Monday rejected claims that the National Football League's ban on most firearms in stadiums violated a state law. The narrow decision overturns an earlier ruling by a lower court and sends it back for reconsideration.

The case stems from the NFL's policy banning firearms except when carried by on-duty law enforcement officers or security contractors. The University of Minnesota Board of Regents were also party to the suit because the Minnesota Vikings are playing at the school's TCF Bank Stadium until their own stadium is completed.

In December 2013, an off-duty Minneapolis police officer was required to surrender his firearm before entering the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis sued, arguing that banning off-duty officers from carrying guns in the facility violates the Minnesota Citizens' Personal Protection Act and "is unenforceable at any stadium in Minnesota."

A Hennepin County district court judge earlier this year ruled that the act does prevent property owners from excluding armed off-duty officers. But the Court of Appeals ruling says the statute does not clearly address the issue and can't be inferred to apply to off-duty officers.

The court said the decision is very narrow and applies just to this particular statute. It doesn't mean that off-duty officers carrying firearms can legally be excluded from stadiums. The case will return to the district court.