McGee eyes potential terrorists

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — After more than a decade in counter-terrorism, Jim McGee can no longer relax and enjoy watching a sports event.

The fans look like potential victims of terrorism to the former FBI agent turned college instructor. The players are possible targets and the security gaps are easy to detect.

“It’s always in the back of my mind, even when I’m watching them on TV,” McGee said. “You’re kind of looking at things. The thing is, if I can sit there or any spectator can sit there, and think, ‘Hmmm, that doesn’t look right,’ that’s probably a little bit of a risk there.”

It was long McGee’s job to worry about security at stadiums and arenas. Now, as part of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Spectator Sports Security Management, it’s his job to teach others the concerns that face event managers in the post-9/11 era.

While professional leagues and NASCAR appear to be taking security seriously, officials worry enough isn’t being done at college sports events.

Those contacted about the issue believe it’s only a matter of time before another domestic or international terrorist attack targets a sports event. This time of year is especially worrisome because of all the high-profile games during bowl season.

Bill Flynn, head of Homeland Security’s protective security coordination division, said stadiums and arenas are “a concern, something that we want to pay attention to. Why? Because we’ve seen attacks overseas in resorts, hotels and arenas, so obviously while al-Qaida and the terrorists have attempted to hit hard targets like refineries, soft targets and commercial facilities become more of a target of opportunity.”