My Letter to the NFL

It's been stamped and mailed. Thought I'd share:

Dear National Football League,

After becoming aware of your organization’s policy regarding who can and cannot gather to enjoy your “Superbowl” program in front of a large screen television, I felt compelled to respond. While I respect your corporation’s right to preserve your legal copyright and any income that might be generated from it, I am disappointed in your methods.

I am aware that you pride yourself on being an organization that supports communities and encourages children to reach their full potential. Although those are admirable statements, I question whether your restrictive game viewing policy contradicts your purported values. The ultimate NFL event is arguably the Superbowl, yet your policy effectively places a barrier between your big game and the people you say you want to encourage. For children to see the Superbowl on a big screen, yelling and screaming with their friends and family, they would have to spend the day in a bar. Is that the message you want to send?

I am beginning to wonder if you might not have some sort of “arrangement” with certain beer manufacturers. They are major advertisers in every NFL televised event. If I, a simple woman from Bakersfield, am beginning to question where your true loyalties lie – the kids or the beer companies- I suspect the rest of America might be growing a bit concerned as well.

It would be a generous, kid-friendly, gesture if you made an exception to your “no big screen” policy for church and civic organizations who won’t be showing your game for profit, at least not the financial profit your organization seems to be concerned about. They are interested in showing it to profit the spirits and souls of the people attending. You say you want to make this country a better place. Do you, really? If so, set your desire for profits aside and let these kids enjoy the energy and celebration surrounding the Superbowl without having to be surrounded by the cursing and drinking associated with the establishments you have allowed to display your programming.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.