Bleachers buckle as fans flock for Odell Beckham Jr. autographs

ByDan Graziano ESPN logo
Saturday, August 1, 2015

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants fans trying to get an autograph from star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. following Friday's practice got so crazy they caused the bleachers to buckle, forcing the team to change its policy for the remainder of training camp.

"A portion of a bleacher shifted during the autograph session following training camp practice today," the Giants said in a statement Friday night. "According to Seating Solutions, the supplier of the bleachers, the shift was caused due to an unexpected surge in spectators. There were no injuries reported as a result of that incident, and the fans were immediately removed from the area."

Beckham and Victor Cruz, the players most responsible for drawing the crowd, were ushered away from the area to safety by Giants security. The team also said fans were immediately removed from the area.

Different position groups sign for fans after practice each day of camp, and Friday was one of two days on which wide receivers were scheduled to sign this camp. Things will be different Aug. 16, the next day wide receivers are scheduled to sign.

"Representatives and engineers from Seating Solutions will examine all of the bleachers surrounding the practice fields this evening and make any necessary adjustments," the Giants said in the statement. "Additionally, the post-practice autograph session will be relocated to the Kids' Zone area at the north end of the practice fields and autographs will be limited to children 12 and under."

The bleachers in question are temporary structures the Giants set up to accommodate fans who want to watch training camp practices. This year, only nine camp practices are open to the public.

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