Halo

In a day and age where the NFL is so concerned with player safety -- and rightfully so -- why must it continue to gouge its fans during the exhibition season. These are "glorified scrimmages'' for heaven's sake. I understand the need to safeguard the health of Drew Brees and other marquee, face-of-the-franchise type players. I understand the need to work off the rust and work out the kinks. I get it.

But charge the patrons a fair price to watch the Luke McCowns and Ryan Griffins and Chase Daniels, etc. Charge a reduced price and don't build these "practice games'' into the cost of a season-ticket package.

These are not games, though the NFL likes to refer to them as "preseason'' games. They are exhibitions.

I am not a voice in the wilderness. I speak for hundreds of thousands, if not millions of NFL fans who share the same sentiment. Ask the patrons. Check out the empty seats. Hear what those absentee fans have to say.

It is outrageously unconscionable of NFL owners (plug in Tom Benson here), almost controlled extortion, to charge fans regular season prices for these dress rehearsal, understudy-filled games.

The best thing that can be said about Friday night?

One down, three to go.

That's what I'd like to hear NFL people -- such as Sean Payton -- say after a preseason game.

I'm sorry for that exhibition!

- See more at: Payton, Saints take preseason debut at face value

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