Posted by
Huls the Haranguer on Saturday, February 03, 2007 6:25:06 PM
Yes, this year's NFL championship game is truly a game of "firsts". First year with two black head coaches, first game both coaches are close friends, and first year we see the NFL take copyright laws to the extreme.
As I'm sure most people have now heard, the NFL is banning any public viewing of the game if the screen exceeds 55" in size (unless, of course, it's in a bar!). So, if you were planning on watching the big game with the rest of your friends and family at your local church, you better start making new plans. Not even the church is immune from the long arm of the (NFL's copyright) law.
A February 1, 2007 article in the Indianapolis Star newspaper first broke the news to Indianapolis Colts fans in the "Circle City", citing the NFL as its source for the eyebrow raising news. The article states the NFL's stance on the issue is no public group (other than businesses whose normal course of business consists of displaying televised sports) may show the game if any of the following apply: An admission fee is charged, the television screen is larger than 55 inches, more than one television is used, the words "Super Bowl" are used to promote the event, or the game is televised in connection with events "that promote a message".
I say, GIVE ME A BREAK! I completely understand an institution's right to protect its property, real or intellectual, but this is going too far! There comes a point when those at the top need to realize the public ramifications from such a negatively charged situation. How much more interest and support could the National Football League have generated if the NFL would have acknowledged the letter of the law, while yielding to the greater good produced by allowing such public displays? Such an action would surely promote Po$$itve results between the league and its patrons?
A spokesman for the National Football League was quoted as saying "We have contracts with our networks to provide free over-the-air television for people at home", and "The network economics are based on television ratings and at-home viewing. Out-of-home viewing is not measured by Nielsen." So television viewing at Bubba's Bar and Tavern is??? Give me a Break! Lighten up NFL, I can assure you my interest in your big game just lost its sizzle. Now, who's up for some Seinfeld re-runs on Sunday???