There is nothing Kendall Bell hasn’t seen during almost a quarter of a century of policing the Las Vegas strip: extortion attempts, sex traps, drug busts ...
Bell knows every trick in Sin City and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Lieutenant has told NRL players how to avoid them during their stay.
Bell made a presentation to key players and staff at the Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles and Broncos via a video presentation on Wednesday morning.
After Bell spoke, the clubs were played a video showing the dos and don’ts of life in Las Vegas, including the scams most likely to catch out high-profile sportspeople.
The NRL is hopeful its historic double-header, in which South Sydney take on Manly and Brisbane clash with the Roosters at Allegiant Stadium, will give rugby league access to a potentially lucrative new market. However, the spectre of scandal shadows those who visit Las Vegas, prompting the NRL to engage with Bell.
Bell is uniquely qualified on the subject: he oversaw security for the NFL Super Bowl, as well as for more than 8500 annual events, ranging from the NHL All Star Weekend to presidential visits to the Grammys.
The NRLis hoping for a scandal-free foray into Las Vegas.Credit: Getty
During his presentation, Bell told the players they would be recorded whenever they set foot onto the Las Vegas strip, whether it be by the authorities or scammers trying to catch them in compromising positions.
Some of the most frequent scams included:
- Locals intentionally picking fights with players while an accomplice records the incident in the hope of extorting money;
- Hawkers trying to lure tourists, with the promise of alcohol and women, away from the main Vegas strip, where there is less oversight by police;
- Women throwing themselves at the players, sometimes with the intention of stealing from them or catching them in a compromising situation that could be used as leverage;
- While marijuana is now legalised in Nevada, players caught smoking the substance in public face the prospect of being evicted from their hotels.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo reminded players of their responsibilities, just a day after Brisbane stars Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan were involved in an off-field incident.
“Taking rugby league to the US is one of the most important strategic initiatives the game has ever undertaken,” Abdo said.
“The information briefing to the clubs and players has been planned for months and was an important step for us towards ensuring our Las Vegas launch event is a positive and safe experience for everyone.
“It’s imperative that the players understand their central role in this venture.
“Players are partners in the game and ambassadors. We want them showcasing their exceptional athleticism and professionalism to a brand new audience.”
The double-header at Allegiant Stadium marks the first of a five-year commitment to stage matches in Las Vegas.
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