Government skepticism 'strong' on threat against NFL stadiums

WASHINGTON -- An Internet message claiming that seven NFL stadiums will be hit with dirty bombs this weekend was met with "strong skepticism" Wednesday by government security officials.

With nothing to indicate an imminent attack, local authorities and stadium owners were alerted "out of an abundance of caution."

Dated Oct. 12, the posting was part of an ongoing conversation titled "New Attack on America Be Afraid." It appeared on a website called "The Friend Society," which links to various online forums and off-color cartoons.

Dolphin Stadium is one of the facilities in question. (AP)

Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke said the threat was being viewed "with strong skepticism," but the agency contacted the NFL, local authorities and stadium owners "out of an abundance of caution." The NCAA, which oversees college athletics, said it was also notified.

"The department strongly encourages the public to continue to go about their plans, including attending events that involve large public gatherings such as football games," Knocke said.

FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said the threat was "questionable" and was discussing it with the NFL as "part of our routine discussions this week."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said stadiums around the country "are very well protected through the comprehensive security procedures we have in place, including secure facility perimeters, pat-downs and bag searches."

Officials were made aware of the Web posting on Oct. 16. The threat was timed to be carried out on Sunday, Oct. 22, marking the final day in Mecca of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month.

"The death toll will approach 100,000 from the initial blasts and countless other fatalities will later occur as result from radioactive fallout," the posting read.

It said al-Qaida would automatically be blamed for the nearly simultaneous attacks and predicted, "Later, through al-Jazeera, Osama bin Laden will issue a video message claiming responsibility for what he dubbed 'America's Hiroshima."'

The posting noted that all but one of the stadiums -- Atlanta -- are open-air arenas, adding: "Due to the open air, the radiological fallout will destroy those not killed in the initial explosion." The retractable roof in Houston has been closed for all games so far this season.

Several NFL teams and stadium owners acknowledged that they were in contact with federal officials, including the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which operates Giants Stadium, the home of the Jets and Giants.