NFL warns that blackout ban could cost Super Bowls

pakowitz · 03-15-2003, 02:17 PM

The Associated Press

A proposed state ban on local television blackouts of Saints games could cost New Orleans its status as frequent host of the Super Bowl if it passes, the NFL is warning.

House Speaker Charlie DeWitt, D-Lecompte, has filed a bill that would prohibit television contracts from blacking out local pro football games. The law would take effect if four other states pass the same law.

The Saints have not been blacked out in their past 22 home games. Only two other states have even considered the law.

But an NFL executive said Friday that the Louisiana Superdome could lose Super Bowls if the law passes.

"The popularity of New Orleans as a Super Bowl site is such, around the league, I'd hate to see something happen to affect the possibility of returning there in the future," said Joe Browne, a league vice president.

The NFL and television networks impose local TV blackouts if games are not sold out 72 hours before kickoff.

DeWitt said he proposed the bill at the behest of a lawmaker in another state, who has attempted to pass a similar law for two years. DeWitt said he wanted to make sure everyone had the chance to see the games on television because, "mine and your tax money's being paid out to that team."

The state made a deal last year with Saints owner Tom Benson to pay him $186.5 million if he keeps the team in New Orleans for 10 years.

"It's just a pure deal of the money we're putting into the franchise to keep it here," DeWitt said.

The bill is set up to be applied only to future television contracts or renegotiations of contracts, not to current contracts.

"If it messes up all their contracts, then I won't run with it, but I can't see that it will," DeWitt said.

Browne said the blackout ban has shown up in the legislatures of Arizona and Washington but gained little ground in either venue. Support for such a ban disappears quickly once potential backers are made aware of what is at stake, he said.

Information from: The Advocate

what u guys think of this mess?

03-15-2003, 02:17 PM	#1
pakowitz The Dark Overlord Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: dirty south Posts: 3,450	NFL warns that blackout ban could cost Super Bowls The Associated Press A proposed state ban on local television blackouts of Saints games could cost New Orleans its status as frequent host of the Super Bowl if it passes, the NFL is warning. House Speaker Charlie DeWitt, D-Lecompte, has filed a bill that would prohibit television contracts from blacking out local pro football games. The law would take effect if four other states pass the same law. The Saints have not been blacked out in their past 22 home games. Only two other states have even considered the law. But an NFL executive said Friday that the Louisiana Superdome could lose Super Bowls if the law passes. "The popularity of New Orleans as a Super Bowl site is such, around the league, I'd hate to see something happen to affect the possibility of returning there in the future," said Joe Browne, a league vice president. The NFL and television networks impose local TV blackouts if games are not sold out 72 hours before kickoff. DeWitt said he proposed the bill at the behest of a lawmaker in another state, who has attempted to pass a similar law for two years. DeWitt said he wanted to make sure everyone had the chance to see the games on television because, "mine and your tax money's being paid out to that team." The state made a deal last year with Saints owner Tom Benson to pay him $186.5 million if he keeps the team in New Orleans for 10 years. "It's just a pure deal of the money we're putting into the franchise to keep it here," DeWitt said. The bill is set up to be applied only to future television contracts or renegotiations of contracts, not to current contracts. "If it messes up all their contracts, then I won't run with it, but I can't see that it will," DeWitt said. Browne said the blackout ban has shown up in the legislatures of Arizona and Washington but gained little ground in either venue. Support for such a ban disappears quickly once potential backers are made aware of what is at stake, he said. Information from: The Advocate what u guys think of this mess?