SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 3 (Reuters): The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) said on Tuesday it has begun monitoring concerns related to electromagnetic field (EMF) interference at Levi’s Stadium, the venue for Sunday’s Super Bowl, following questions raised by players.
NFLPA President Jalen Reeves-Maybin said players are seeking clearer information on the issue.
“From what you’ve heard from players, everyone wants more data and more feedback,” he told reporters at a press conference.
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are scheduled to contest the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium, which is located next to an electrical substation operated by Silicon Valley Power, the municipal utility of Santa Clara, California. Such substations can generate electromagnetic interference due to high voltages and strong electrical currents.
Speculation that the nearby substation could be producing harmful EMF levels gained attention during the San Francisco 49ers’ regular season after a post on X suggested it may have played a role in the team’s injury issues.
Since then, the theory has drawn wider attention from fans, players and NFL officials. Reeves-Maybin said the 49ers have begun studying the matter, while the players’ association is awaiting the findings.
Interim NFLPA Executive Director David White said the union is closely monitoring the situation but noted that, so far, experts have publicly indicated there is no cause for concern.
-Advertisement-
Earlier on Tuesday, 49ers Chief Executive Officer Jed York dismissed the EMF claims, noting that the substation has been in place for more than three decades.
“I don’t believe that is something that is a real issue,” he said during an appearance on the Up & Adams program.
NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr Allen Sills has also rejected the EMF theory in recent league health and safety discussions.
(Reporting by Max A. Cherney in San Francisco; Editing by Michael Perry)
-Thestar
