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It's End Of Line For Suit

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE

cwade@tampatrib.com

Published: January 22, 2009

TAMPA - The high school civics teacher who wanted to stop the controversial pat-downs of fans at Raymond James Stadium has reached the end of his legal road.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the appeal of Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan Gordon Johnston, who filed a lawsuit challenging the team's pat-down searches.

Johnston took his case to the high court after a loss in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He had previously been successful in rulings from a state circuit judge and a U.S. district judge. The pat-downs were halted for three years until October. They continued as Johnston pursued his appeal, which the Supreme Court turned down.

"I'm greatly disappointed," Johnston said Wednesday.

The National Football League started requiring pat-down searches for NFL games in August 2005. Johnston, a season-ticket holder, claimed the searches were a violation of his constitutional rights and filed suit in 2005.

"Pat-downs have been and will continue to be an important part of our comprehensive security procedures, including secure facility perimeters and bag searches," said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy. "These limited security screenings are designed to enhance the protection and safety of our fans."

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

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