'Needs to go': Freak incident exposes $2.6 billion stadium fail
NFL fans were left holding their breath on Monday when Las Vegas Raiders star Johnathan Abram collided with a sideline TV cart and stayed down for an extended period.
The Raiders were taking on the New Orleans Saints in the first game at their new $US1.9 billion Allegiant Stadium ($AU2.6 billion) when the frightening incident occurred.
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Abram and teammate Damon Arnette were scrambling to stop Alvin Kamara from scoring a touchdown on a rushing play from close range when they both went sprawling across the sideline.
In scary scenes, Abram collided with a TV cart that was positioned way too close to the field at full speed.
At first it appeared as though Abram might have been trapped by the bulky contraption, however he was able to get up after a number of hairy moments.
Still, fans and commentators were in disbelief that the cart had been parked so close to the field.
Raiders safety Johnathan Abram tumbled out of bounds into into a television cart and was down for a while... needless to say, the carts need to go. pic.twitter.com/2pXcJcjzfD
— Rich Ohrnberger (@ohrnberger) September 22, 2020
Johnathan Abram smacks into the cart. Why is it so close to the field of a new NFL stadium? pic.twitter.com/G8Yt8makLQ
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 22, 2020
Why is this truck so close to the field? This is a hard landing for Johnathan Abram pic.twitter.com/MZxOC014uV
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) September 22, 2020
Not to mention the cord that almost choked the other defensive player.
— Mr. Yoy (@TheRealMcYoy) September 22, 2020
The other player almost got something wrapped around his neck!! Unbelievable! Scary moment
— Robert Duran (@Rob_Base78) September 22, 2020
The Raiders went in to win 34-24 to take their record to 2-0.
The Raiders fell behind 10-0 early, then completely outplayed the Saints the rest of the way.
The Saints drop to 1-1 after their first loss.
Raiders lose two right tackles for Saints clash
It could have been absolute disaster for the Raiders, who were already without their top two right tackles.
Starter Trent Brown and backup Sam Young were both inactive for Monday night's clash after being listed as doubtful.
Brown played one series of the opener before leaving with a calf injury and Young injured his groin later in the first half.
Linebacker Nick Kwiatkowski (pectoral) was also inactive after being listed as doubtful.
The Saints were without some key players of their own, with star receiver Michael Thomas (ankle), defensive end Marcus Davenport (elbow) and linebacker Chase Hansen (hip) all ruled out on Saturday.
with Associated Press
