Why is the NFL keeping Saints vs. Steelers in Paris amid protests? What league said

Why is the NFL keeping Saints vs. Steelers in Paris against the backdrop of protests?

Key points

• O'Reilly additionally observed other major events taking place in Paris, such as Art Basel and Paris Saint-Germain hosting Barcelona in a Champions League match.
• USA TODAY Sports' Jacob Camenker breaks down five must-add fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 7, including Germie Bernard and Omar Cooper Jr.
• NFL commissioner Roger Goodell remarked Wednesday that he has spoken to United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio concerning the situation in France and the league's operational security.
• As well as the United States State Department, o'Reilly remarked the league is cooperating with Parisian and French authorities.
• Week 7 fantasy pickups: Germie Bernard, Michael Penix Jr.

Why is the NFL keeping Saints vs. Steelers in Paris against the backdrop of protests? What league remarked. Chris Bumbaca USA TODAY. Week 7 fantasy pickups: Germie Bernard, Michael Penix Jr. And more.

NEW YORK – Even with the French demonstrating every ounce of "liberté, " the NFL is full steam ahead for the league's first-ever game in France set for Sunday, Oct. 25.

"We're confident in our operational and security plans, " NFL vice president for international and club business Peter O'Reilly remarked during the league's fall gathering Tuesday, Oct. 20.

"Very high is my comfort level, " remarked Goodell, who was boarding a plane bound for Paris afterwards in the day. "We're guests in the country, " Goodell continued.

Meanwhile, the league and participating teams – the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers – have maintained that they are comfortable with traveling there despite the unrest from large-scale anti-government protests that devolved into rioting nationwide, particularly in Paris. More than 2, 000 individuals were arrested for participating in the violence. On Oct. 19, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that he asked regional authorities to enforce partial curfews in the evening.

As well as the United States State Department, o'Reilly remarked the league is cooperating with Parisian and French authorities. The Saints are at present in France and the Steelers are traveling afterwards in the week. The game is taking place at Stade de France. It is located in St. Denis, a suburb that borders the city to the northeast.

"Obviously being very vigilant in everything we do, in all of our planning on an hour-by-hour basis, working closely with the two teams, " he remarked. NFL notes it won't move Paris game.

NFL chief security officer Cathy Lanier is on the ground in France and the league is confident in its intends to keep players, staff and personnel safe. The NFL was "never close" to consider moving the game, O'Reilly remarked.

Notably, the NFL is working in close partnership with security at Stade de France. It was the focal point of the 2024 Summer Olympics in the city, O'Reilly remarked. Asked whether the league is concerned that its security requirements take away from broader resources needed by authorities in France, O'Reilly remarked the NFL was confident it would not deplete resources.

Notably, the NFL's security presence extends beyond game day, O'Reilly remarked, and includes all of the programming and events surrounding the game. SMS Facebook Twitter Email. Share your feedback to support improve our site! Share your feedback to support improve our site!

For now, why is the NFL keeping Saints vs. Steelers in Paris amid protests? Remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.