“We mention this with any athlete:you’re a quasi- or semi-celebrity,people know who you are and that you probably have a contract and the type of money you make,” Bell said.
“There is an opportunity to put you in a bad position. Then you have people who are social media[influencers] looking to improve their likes or followers,put players in a bad position so they can stream that or put it on their platforms so they can get more attention.
The NRL kicks off the season with a double-header in Las Vegas in March.Credit:NRL Photos
“I mention that to the players. If they come across somebody trying to pull their chain,just walk away.
“More than likely it’s someone trying to get them riled up while someone is standing to the side filming it,just waiting to see what’s happening. Just walk away,don’t put yourself in a bad position. It’s tough,someone is pulling your chain,you’re getting nagged,I get it. But you just have to resist the urge.”
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One of Kendall’s top tips to avoid trouble is to employ the buddy system.
“The best thing you can do when you’re going out,wherever you are hanging out,just don’t do it by yourself,” said Bell,who oversaw security for the recent Super Bowl that was also staged at Allegiant Stadium.
“If you become agitated and you are not in a good position to get yourself out of that,you have got a friend there to help pull you out of that situation. It’s always good to have the buddy system.”
The Sea Eagles have already been banned from using Tinder during their stay and Bell said players should be wary of female attention.
“We talked about how there are a lot of working girls looking for people to exploit,” he said. “What they will do is come up to you and try to get you to take them back up to your room. Then all of a sudden,your watch or passport is missing. We talked about not bringing strange people back to your room and not going to strange people’s rooms.”
Even though marijuana has been legalised in Nevada,Bell said players should give all drugs a wide berth.
Lieutenant Kendall Bell’s tips on staying out of trouble in Sin City
- Employ the buddy system
- Even though marijuana is legal,stay away from all drugs
- The legal drinking age is 21;younger players shouldn’t try to skirt the rule
- If you get into trouble,call Lieutenant Bell on his personal number
- Be wary of female attention,as prostitutes have been known to extort sporting stars
“Over here in the United States,fentanyl is a big problem,” he said of the synthetic drug that can be more than 100 times more addictive than heroin.
“It’s killing a lot of people. They go out thinking they are purchasing one thing from someone and it’s laced with those types of drugs and before you know it,it has killed them or really hurt them.
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“Even when it comes to marijuana,which is legal here,don’t. Just walk away. It’s not worth your life. Stay away from drugs.”
Bell said excitement was building in Vegas ahead of next weekend’s historic NRL double-header.
“One bad move can tarnish your reputation,your team’s reputation,your country,everything,” Bell warned. “You’re a professional athlete,you have to act at a higher level than the average person.
“But it’s not so scary,this is just a bit of friendly advice so you can enjoy your time. We want you to come and enjoy the hell out of Las Vegas. Enjoy everything it has to offer,but be responsible. Don’t put yourself in a bad position.”