NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank

[case3]

Here is a new article published in the Financial Times.

Financial Times (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/b9cbdaae-49ba-11dc-9ffe-0000779fd2ac.html)

The article outlines how the NFL is using the support of the Christian right in an effort to lobby lawmakers against Barney Frank's bill.

What do you think about the tone of the D'Amato quotes at the end of the article?


[ QUOTE ]
But he says the NFL’s influence in Washington is the “major issue” that could prevent the bill from gaining more support. “I don’t believe the NFL can be defeated on this.”

[/ QUOTE ]

[Ron Burgundy]

BOYCOTT THE NFL gogogogogo

[JPFisher55]

So why would the NFL oppose Rep. Wexler's bill which is better for online poker players than Rep. Frank's bill?

[TheEngineer]

Maybe we should all write to the NFL and some of their to express our displeasure. I'm not suggesting poker players boycott football and beer, but I think we could tell them we'll keep this in mind when deciding what to buy and what to watch.

[CountingMyOuts]

[ QUOTE ]
What do you think about the tone of the D'Amato quotes at the end of the article?


[ QUOTE ]
But he says the NFL’s influence in Washington is the “major issue” that could prevent the bill from gaining more support. “I don’t believe the NFL can be defeated on this.”

[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the PPA has wasted a bunch of money on the "face of the PPA" if this is what he has to say.

[Legislurker]

We can't very well do anything this year about the NFL, ESPN, and their sponsors. But, if we can just influence a few elections in 08..............the door is open. We need an organization that isn't a joke. If we could line up 10-15k poker players to call Miller Lite, GM, State Farm, and a couple other sponsors and say until the NFL stops harassing gamblers we wont use your product, something might happen. But, the PPA is a joke, and we havent gotten any good media coverage, and we have no organization. The missed opportunity galls more than anything Congress did.

[oldbookguy]

I think Engineer is correct; mailing to the NFL is what needs to be done.

We need to let them know the hypocrisy of it all, Fantasy betting by drafting ones own 'team' is really not much different than betting on actual games, which many offices run pools on anyway.

And, we need to let them know they should support their fan base concerning Internet poker, they SHOULD make a distinction, as one has nothing to do with the other.

lets work on this plan Engineer and have something to put on the board by morning. I'll work up one letter, you and the others some and post them here with the NFL e-mail address.

obg

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
We can't very well do anything this year about the NFL, ESPN, and their sponsors.

[/ QUOTE ]

I understand what you're saying, but a few of writing is better than no one writing. Will it make a difference? I don't know, but I'll write just on general principle.

[ QUOTE ]
If we could line up 10-15k poker players to call Miller Lite, GM, State Farm, and a couple other sponsors and say until the NFL stops harassing gamblers we wont use your product, something might happen. But, the PPA is a joke, and we havent gotten any good media coverage, and we have no organization. The missed opportunity galls more than anything Congress did.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agree. Still, I think we should do what we can, even it if is just on general principle. If we get a few letters out and post them around the Web, the NFL will hear something. And, if we do this, some who would write but didn't bother because they thought no one else would may feel compelled to join in.

[TheEngineer]

August 13, 2007

Roger Goodell
Commissioner
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Gene Upshaw
Executive Director
NFL Players Association
1133 20th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036

Dear Commissioner Goodell and Mr. Upshaw:

I am writing to express my anger and disappointment at the National Football League’s very vocal advocacy of a ban on all Internet gaming (even non-sports betting). I fail to understand why your concerns over the honesty of your million-dollar players constitutes an “integrity issue” severe enough to necessitate restricting MY freedoms. Don’t forget, it’s the fans who make the league possible.

As a result of your work against my liberty, I’ll definitely watch less NFL football from now on. I’ll also be less likely to patronize your sponsors, especially Anheuser-Busch, to whom I wrote as well.

I urge you to reconsider your advocacy of what many of us are calling “Prohibition 2.0". It’s a loser for America and a loser for freedom.

Sincerely,

TheEngineer

[TheRedRocket]

If someone will write up a template I will send it to them and I'll alter my NFL watching as well

[Uglyowl]

In the past week I responded to an e-mail from MLB "Come Back to MLB.TV: Special One-Time Offer" voicing my displeasure and told them why I canceled in the first place (their letter to Congress against all gambling including poker).

I think we can do the same in other type offers that deal with the major sports leagues.

[oldbookguy]

Very good plan, I signed up for the NFL stuff and will cancell as well.

obg

[oldbookguy]

Engineer wrote a good one and here is mine, copy any / all of it you like.

http://www.nfl.com/help/emailtech

Commissioner Roger Goodell
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Sir,

I must say I am quit disappointed in your alliance with Focus on the Family and your opposition to the Barney Frank’s proposed Internet Gambling Legislation.

I can and do appreciate your position concerning Football and your right to oppose sports betting.
I appreciate your right to forbid NFL players from betting or engaging in betting.

I do NOT appreciate this position however when you openly support fantasy football, allowing we fans to draft our own team to ‘GAMBLE’ on to win prizes.

I do NOT appreciate your opposition to my being allowed to play cards on the Internet. It is not your nor anyone else’s place to determine what I do in my spare time.

Let me make a simple analogy for you between a football season and a poker tournament.

Your players and teams play the regular season hoping for the brass ring of the playoffs where they earn ‘extra’ money above and beyond the enormous salaries they are paid with the hope in the end to be crowned champion and get the gold ring.

A poker tournament is much the same; our ‘season’ is played to reach the money by beating out others to make the playoffs. Our ‘playoffs’ begin when enough players are eliminated and the bonus money level is reached. Each level of the ‘money / playoffs’ we advance to we earn more. In the end a champion is crowned and rather than the ‘brass’ ring we get the gold, we are champion in much the same way as a ‘Super Bowl’ champion is crowned.

In closing as a fan I would appreciate you making a distinction between your anti-sports betting stance and my playing cards.

A WV Fan,

XXXXXXXX

[TheEngineer]

August 13, 2007

Mr. August A. Busch IV
President and Chief Executive Officer
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
One Busch Place
St. Louis, MO 63118

Dear Mr. Busch:

I am writing to express my anger and disappointment at the National Football League’s very vocal advocacy of a ban on all Internet gaming (even non-sports betting such as poker). I fail to understand why their concerns over the honesty of their million-dollar players constitutes an “integrity issue” severe enough to necessitate restricting MY freedoms. Seems they should have enough resources to maintain their integrity without infringing on my liberty. It seems they forget that it’s the fans who make the league possible.

As a result of their work against my liberty, I’ll definitely watch less NFL football from now on. I’ll also be less likely to patronize sponsors who remain silent in the face of this affront to liberty. Will Anheuser-Busch support freedom, or will you support Prohibition 2.0?

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

TheEngineer

[TheEngineer]

Anheuser-Busch email: http://contactus.anheuser-busch.com/contactus/email.asp

[Legislurker]

I like the idea of throwing in, I bought NFL Season TIcket last year, your recent [censored] actions have made me cancel my buy this year. Those profits go straight to them.

[oldbookguy]

I added this alert to 2 league forums I am with and sent to 2 poker radio shows as well. Maybe we can get some extra coverage there.

Doubtful we can change the NFL's mind but if they get a few hundred letters over the next few days at least they will hear from some fans.

obg

[TheEngineer]

August 13, 2007

Mr. G. Richard Wagoner Jr.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
General Motors Corporation
300 Renaissance Center
Detroit, Michigan 48265

Dear Mr. Wagoner:

I am writing to share with you my anger and disappointment at the National Football League’s very vocal advocacy of a ban on all Internet gaming (even non-sports betting such as poker). I fail to understand why their concerns over the honesty of their million-dollar players constitutes an “integrity issue” severe enough to necessitate restricting MY freedoms. Seems they should have enough resources to maintain their integrity without infringing on my liberty. It seems they forget that it’s the fans who make the league possible.

As a result of their work against my liberty, I’ll definitely watch less NFL football from now on. I’ll also be less likely to patronize sponsors who remain silent in the face of this affront to liberty. I did purchase a new Corvette Z06 three years ago from *** ***** Chevrolet in ****, Kentucky [courtesy of the fish /images/graemlins/wink.gif], and I am in the market for a new car now. As such, I ask where GM stands on this. Will General Motors support freedom, or will you support Prohibition 2.0?

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

TheEngineer

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]

I added this alert to 2 league forums I am with and sent to 2 poker radio shows as well. Maybe we can get some extra coverage there.

Doubtful we can change the NFL's mind but if they get a few hundred letters over the next few days at least they will hear from some fans.

obg

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree we can't change their minds, but I think we're wise to not give our opponents "free cards" so to speak.

[Uglyowl]

I will give these guys a phone call tomorrow as a shareholder and I also consume a lot of their products.

PepsiCo, Inc.

700 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY 10577
(914) 253-2000

[JPFisher55]

I think that your letters should only mention your right to play online poker. Maybe the NFL will support Rep. Wexler's bill even if they oppose Rep. Frank's bill. After all, Rep. Wexler's bill is much better for online poker players than Rep. Frank's bill. Ask them to support the exemption for skill games such as poker even if they oppose regulation of all online gambling.

[Uglyowl]

[ QUOTE ]
I think that your letters should only mention your right to play online poker. Maybe the NFL will support Rep. Wexler's bill even if they oppose Rep. Frank's bill.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed, they will not endorse gambling on their own sports. However, they came out against even making poker or casinos explicitly legal since it would be too hard to distinguish them from sports betting and "slippery slope", blah blah blah.

To make sure there is no betting on sports, everything need to be done away with in their eyes.

[DeliciousBass]

[ QUOTE ]
I like the idea of throwing in, I bought NFL Season Ticket last year, your recent [censored] actions have made me cancel my buy this year.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd be curious to know how many degens didn't renew their Season Ticket packages this year because they can't get their money in/out of their favorite book?

With WSOP ME entries down this year I would have to imagine that the NFL took an even bigger hit than poker.

It always puts a smile on my face when businesses shoot themselves in the foot. I look forward to the NFL's announcement next year "Sobriety is the only way to live! We will take an active role in Washington politics to ban all alcohol!"

[Warren Harding]

[ QUOTE ]

Engineer wrote a good one and here is mine, copy any / all of it you like.

http://www.nfl.com/help/emailtech


[/ QUOTE ]

That link is for technical issues. The NFL does not appear dignify us peons with a general complaints/comments section, so use this one unless someone responds with a better idea:

nflmediasales@nfl.com

[Cactus Jack]

I guess the only left is dog fighting. When your stars are betting on animals killing each other, you should be concerned that I play poker online.

[TheRedRocket]

I tailored mine slightly

Commissioner Roger Goodell
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Sir,

I must say I am quit disappointed in your alliance with Focus on the Family and your opposition to the Barney Frank’s proposed Internet Gambling Legislation.

I can and do appreciate your position concerning Football and your right to oppose sports betting.
I appreciate your right to forbid NFL players from betting or engaging in betting.

I do NOT appreciate this position however when you openly support fantasy football, allowing we fans to draft our own team to ‘GAMBLE’ on to win prizes.

I do NOT appreciate your opposition to my being allowed to play cards on the Internet. It is not your nor anyone else’s place to determine what I do in my spare time.

As a result of your actions I will not be making annual trip to an NFL game this year and I will also be writing your sponsors letting them of my disappointment.

In closing as a fan I would appreciate you making a distinction between your anti-sports betting stance and my playing cards.

[Merkle]

I would like a list of emails for NFL, NFL sponsers, and Rep Wexler. Is there an easy place to find all these?

I have prepared a letter for the NFL but I would also like to carbon copy it to sponsors and Rep Wexler as well. My thought being I want the NFL to see who else I sent the letter to and I want Wexler to realize his bill has supporters.
Below is the letter if anyone has comments or suggestions.

Jxxxxx Mxxxxxx
xxx xxxxxx xxx
Jackson, TN 38301 731-xxx-xxxx


Commissioner Roger Goodell
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017


Sir,

I have been an avid fan of the NFL for years. Unfortunately some of your recent actions have resulted in my decision to boycott all NFL games, merchandise and sponsors until I see a change in your position.

I can understand and respect your position that players, coaches, referees and other employees should not be allowed to bet on sports online or any other way. But in your effort to regulate your employees you are attempting to impose your restrictions on the entire US. I would not go to such extremes as boycotting if your attempts were only related to sports betting. But your efforts include skill games such as poker, chess, backgammon and many others.

In closing I find your position hypocritical when you encourage gambling on fantasy leagues but exclude all other forms of wagering, especially skill games. By the way, I was also a member of several sports fantasy leagues that I will not be participating in as long as you oppose sensible legislation such as Rep Wexler’s bill H.R. 2610, Skill Game Protection Act.

Jxxxxx Mxxxxxx

[YoureToast]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I like the idea of throwing in, I bought NFL Season Ticket last year, your recent [censored] actions have made me cancel my buy this year.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd be curious to know how many degens didn't renew their Season Ticket packages this year because they can't get their money in/out of their favorite book?

With WSOP ME entries down this year I would have to imagine that the NFL took an even bigger hit than poker.

It always puts a smile on my face when businesses shoot themselves in the foot. I look forward to the NFL's announcement next year "Sobriety is the only way to live! We will take an active role in Washington politics to ban all alcohol!"

[/ QUOTE ]

You said it. I am actually shocked that the NFL has taken such a strong stand on this. There must be millions of viewers who used to watch games simply because they could bet on them. One thing I'll try to do this year is and next is keep track of viewership of the NFL. I suspect it will keep going up, but at a much slower pace.

Personally, I think Roger Goodell may severely damage this league.

[oldbookguy]

Write and tell them you are shocked, please, they have to know these things.

obg

[YoureToast]

[ QUOTE ]
Write and tell them you are shocked, please, they have to know these things.

obg

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, their decision does not affect me much as a fan, since for me its actually a good thing I don't waste my Sundays away watching games that are irrelevant just because I have $100 on it. However, I plan on writing. The first person I'm going to write to is Arthur Blank, since I am a Falcons season ticket holder. I'll post it along with any response I get.

[YoureToast]

Wait a minute. I thought the IGREA permitted sports leagues to opt out. Why would the NFL push even harder against this?

What am I missing?

[CountingMyOuts]

[ QUOTE ]
Wait a minute. I thought the IGREA permitted sports leagues to opt out. Why would the NFL push even harder against this?

What am I missing?

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't get it, either. Perhaps it's a "scorched earth" move intended to stop any and all potential, no matter how small, that betting on NFL games will occur.

[75s]

I FING KNEW IT! NFL and other leagues were behind the UIGEA
Bastards! This is not fair competition. Instead of improving their product/embracing change they legislate out competition. I'll never pay for another NFL item in my life.

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

/images/graemlins/confused.gif since when does the Christian Right need anybody's prompting to go after Barney Frank? /images/graemlins/confused.gif

[mhcmarty]

In my e-mail to the NFL, I let them know that I would not be subscribing to the NFL Ticket on DirectTV this year as a result of their work against Franks bill.

Thanks for the letter!!

[Legislurker]

[ QUOTE ]
In my e-mail to the NFL, I let them know that I would not be subscribing to the NFL Ticket on DirectTV this year as a result of their work against Franks bill.

Thanks for the letter!!

[/ QUOTE ]

I did the same. Im not getting it now because I don't have the ability to bet Pinnacle Halftimes. But, its a damn good second reason to not get it. I suggest even if you don't have it, call and say you were going to, and will never now.
Merchandise and the TV package are candy for the League office. Its as effective now as Congress phone bombing. Follow up with a handwritten letter to the same effect.

[jennaecks]

If the NFL is so concerned with sports betting....why can one open any sports section and get the line on any game......

Is the sports section next on the list?

[Grasshopp3r]

The obvious solution is to fix football games.

Another obvious means of attack is to point out to the FoF crowd that the NFL is actively pitching its fantasy sports and is promoting gambling of a different form.

[Neurotoxin]

Oh, a better route would be to call your cable company and tell them you don't want the NFL network on basic cable, its too expensive.

[Nathan_2]

The world according to the NFL and their politicians:
good (http://hrfootball.cdmsports.com/)
good (http://www.youbet.com/)
good (http://www.powerball.com/)
evil (http://www.pokerstars.com/)

[DeliciousBass]

Letter writing is fun (gotta get me some Costco stamps)...


Commissioner Roger Goodell
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017

While I'm pleased to see that you are going to take your time in deciding
appropriate action with Michael Vick by waiting to "rely on facts", it is not the purpose
of this correspondence. It is related though, in the sense that I would encourage this
manner of decision-making in the future from a man in your position.

The reason you are receiving this is because you have made a decision to involve
your interests in my private life. Recent news has linked the NFL to minority group
Focus on the Family in an effort to defeat several bills currently in the House of
Representatives. The first being Barney Frank's Internet Gambling Regulation and
Enforcement Act and the second Robert Wexler's Skill Game Protection Act.

If the NFL had made a decision to "rely on the facts" in the cases of these two bills
you would clearly understand that neither endangers the NFL's dream of "no wagering
on NFL games". You chose instead to make a decision based on flawed logic that limits
my freedoms as an American citizen. In turn, I will be making the following "fact-based
decisions":

* NFL Sunday Ticket will not be purchased for my household.
* I will not make purchases of anything licensed by the NFL to include; game
tickets, jerseys, hats, fantasy teams, cups, coasters, flags, bobbleheads, etc.
* I will recommend to friends and family to avoid the same purchases.
* I will draft and submit a letter to each company who advertises on games I receive
locally to inform them that I will not make purchases from them as they support
an organization that is attempting to infringe upon my liberty.

In closing, I would encourage the NFL to take a closer look at its alliances in the
future and the stated goals of those groups. If you should choose to maintain your stance
on wagering on NFL games while rectifying your position on the issue of gambling in
general I will see that my position and actions where the NFL is concerned change as well. Until
that occurs, it turns out I still have some freedoms that you might prefer I didn't.

Sincerely,

DBass

[YoureToast]

Nice letter Delicious.

[Jerry D]

[ QUOTE ]
The world according to the NFL and their politicians:
good (http://hrfootball.cdmsports.com/)
good (http://www.youbet.com/)
good (http://www.powerball.com/)
evil (http://www.pokerstars.com/)

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah the fact that they are PROMOTING playing fantasy football for REAL MONEY is so ironic. I know I will make alot of people mad by saying this, but ANYBODY who watches pro sports is a simple minded idiot, there are so many better things to do with your time. I'm not talking about watching and betting on them, that IS fun and worthwile, but some idiot who sits there and just roots for his favorite team of thugs like Michael Vick, is an idiot.

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
Nice letter Delicious.

[/ QUOTE ]

[gaming_mouse]

Can someone explain to me why they are doing this?

Is the NFL concerned that their own players are going to be sports betting and thus jeapordizing the integrity of the games? If so, I don't see how banning internet gambling is going to prevent NFL players from placing wagers.... If not, how does the law affect the NFL? That is, why should they care if fans are betting or not?

Thanks.

[DeliciousBass]

[ QUOTE ]
Yeah the fact that they are PROMOTING playing fantasy football for REAL MONEY is so ironic. I know I will make alot of people mad by saying this, but ANYBODY who watches pro sports is a simple minded idiot, there are so many better things to do with your time. I'm not talking about watching and betting on them, that IS fun and worthwile, but some idiot who sits there and just roots for his favorite team of thugs like Michael Vick, is an idiot.

[/ QUOTE ]

Generalize much?

[DeliciousBass]

[ QUOTE ]
Can someone explain to me why they are doing this?

Is the NFL concerned that their own players are going to be sports betting and thus jeapordizing the integrity of the games? If so, I don't see how banning internet gambling is going to prevent NFL players from placing wagers.... If not, how does the law affect the NFL? That is, why should they care if fans are betting or not?

Thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]

Their concern is something along the lines of, "gambling on sporting events has the potential to hurt the integrity of the game". The idea being the games should be played within specific guidelines with each side trying to be victorious. The fear is players, coaches, owners, etc. could be influenced and somehow perform in a manner that is not conducive to winning. The policy to determine the order of the NFL draft remains unchanged...

How this relates to "Lucky Seas Crazy Slots" and online poker, blackjack, pai-gow, etc. is beyond me. If the NFL does not want online casinos to offer wagering on NFL games Frank's bill gives them the option to opt out. (I firmly believe that someone, somewhere inside the offices of the NFL is well aware of how important sport-wagering is to the NFL's bottom line. If there is not, a person will soon be assigned to research why there has been a dramatic drop-off in Sunday Ticket subs...then they will become aware.) As far as Wexler's bill goes...they would be better off fighting a bill that earmarks money to look into soybean fuels and claim it's because they're opposed to wagering on NFL events...it would make as much sense.

The thing is the NFL is opposed to Frank's bill (I'm not sure they've said anything about the Study or Wexler's bill) the problem they have is...they've tied themselves to FoF. For whatever reason (lack of sleep perhaps) I just can't put the FoF's views into a reasonable relationship with the typical, rabid, NFL fan's (or even the typical, casual NFL fan's).

Much like the GOP's current problem (the alienation of their core) I see this as a similar misstep on the part of the NFL.

[Uglyowl]

I understand why a sports league wouldn't want gambling, but then how does Vegas exist? Haven't we already crossed the line here?

Your right and I am sure ESPN has a vested interest to. How much of their audience is due to pools/gambling.

To me, MNF is usually the game that decides the office pools (other than the 20% that are home team or a key matchup with huge playoff implications). I like football and all, but not stay up til 1:00AM and get 5 hours of sleep before work for the sake of the game.

[Tuff_Fish]

[ QUOTE ]

.
.
that IS fun and worthwile, but some Chargers fan who sits there and just roots for LaDainian Tomlinson is not an idiot.

[/ QUOTE ]

[Legislurker]

[ QUOTE ]
I understand why a sports league wouldn't want gambling, but then how does Vegas exist? Haven't we already crossed the line here?

Your right and I am sure ESPN has a vested interest to. How much of their audience is due to pools/gambling.

To me, MNF is usually the game that decides the office pools (other than the 20% that are home team or a key matchup with huge playoff implications). I like football and all, but not stay up til 1:00AM and get 5 hours of sleep before work for the sake of the game.

[/ QUOTE ]

It would have been so useful to have the PPA involved in this and easily find 10k people who had bought Sunday Ticket last year to call in and cancel/demand a backdown on an opposition to poker. The demographics have shfited and MOST people gamble in some way or another, just the holier than thou, isolated, rich douches who run things haven't noticed.
I think even 1k people calling in cancelling SUnday Ticket would havecaused a backpedal.

[TheEngineer]

Another article, at www.theregister.co.uk/2007/08/15/nfl_focus_on_family/ (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/08/15/nfl_focus_on_family/)


NFL enlists Christian soldiers in anti-gambling fight
God, football and the point spread
By Burke Hansen in San Francisco

The behind-the-scenes putsch that forced the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) through a skeptical Congress last year saw a little sunshine this week. Witness the news that the National Football League has teamed up with James Dobson's Focus on the Family and other right-wing Christians to head off efforts to liberalize and regulate the online gambling industry.

The NFL has brought in some big guns to make sure that Congressman Barney Frank's attempt to repeal the law and regulate the troublesome industry never gets out of committee, according to the Financial Times. Former Senate Majority leader Bill Frist attached the controversial UIGEA in the middle of the night to an unrelated port security bill, and one of his top advisors, Bill Wichterman, is now lobbying on behalf of the NFL to uphold the UIGEA.

As the Finanancial Times noted, an email obtained from Wichterman "encouraged conservative groups to co-sign a letter to Congress that ostensibly was written by Focus on the Family. 'The threat posed by the Frank legislation is very real, and we must actively work against it,' Wichterman wrote."

The letter encourages anti-gambling Christians to take up the fight against Frank's legislation.

The Christian Coalition, among others, signed the letter, which urges members of Congress to protect the integrity - whatever that means - of the UIGEA, and warned lawmakers to be on the watch for "misinformation campaigns [by] foreign gambling interests".

Whether "foreign gambling interests" refers to Antigua and the WTO or not, the NFL clearly does not believe that the opt-out provisions for sports organizations in Frank's legislation are sufficient to protect the integrity of the game. One would think that the huge black market for sports betting in the United States would be even more of a threat, but for those morally opposed to gambling, practical social policy is irrelevant. Gambling bad. Jesus good.

Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest gambling day of the year, with billions wagered on the event annually, and gambling point spreads are routinely tossed around on pre-game events. The NFL also directly participates in fantasy football leagues, which were specifically exempted by the UIGEA. If anything, sports wagering seems to be a real boost to the league's popularity.

So what's the big deal? Leagues in the UK, where legalized gambling on sporting events is prevalent, seem to do just fine, and in the public mind, doping seems to be a bigger concern - at least as far as integrity goes. There is no perfect system, as recent NBA developments make clear, but regulation if anything seems preferable - after all, NBA referee Tim Donaghy got into trouble with underground bookies. In Las Vegas, where everything is legal and closely scrutinized, point shaving is nearly impossible.

"Whispers would have happened on the street, and we would have heard something," Jay Kornegay, executive director of the sports book at the Las Vegas Hilton, said to ESPN, when asked about the scandal last month. "Any type of suspicious or unusual movements, you usually hear in the industry. We're so regulated and policed, any kind of suspicion would be discussed."

[frommagio]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I understand why a sports league wouldn't want gambling, but then how does Vegas exist? Haven't we already crossed the line here?

Your right and I am sure ESPN has a vested interest to. How much of their audience is due to pools/gambling.

To me, MNF is usually the game that decides the office pools (other than the 20% that are home team or a key matchup with huge playoff implications). I like football and all, but not stay up til 1:00AM and get 5 hours of sleep before work for the sake of the game.

[/ QUOTE ]

It would have been so useful to have the PPA involved in this and easily find 10k people who had bought Sunday Ticket last year to call in and cancel/demand a backdown on an opposition to poker. The demographics have shfited and MOST people gamble in some way or another, just the holier than thou, isolated, rich douches who run things haven't noticed.
I think even 1k people calling in cancelling SUnday Ticket would havecaused a backpedal.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you for not referring to our opponents as ChristaNazis or fascists; this represents a great improvement in your forum contributions during the past few days. Although "holier than thou, isolated, rich douches" might seem to be a bit out of line, I do understand that even this required considerable self-restraint on your part. Some of us (including myself) appreciate that you are making a sincere effort to improve.

[PLO8FaceKilla]

Ok i just printed out a letter, added a little personal stuff and i'm mailing it to Roger Goodell on Monday.

It only takes 10 MINUTES!
THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO DO THIS.

Everyone should send them a letter.

[Wetdog]

Maybe we should all buy our NFL logo goods FROM ANTIGUA!

[Mondogarage]

[ QUOTE ]
Maybe we should all write to the NFL and some of their to express our displeasure. I'm not suggesting poker players boycott football and beer, but I think we could tell them we'll keep this in mind when deciding what to buy and what to watch.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you're not prepared to, in fact, boycott the NFL and everything related to it (NFL highlights shows, NFL coverage, NFL advertisers, etc.), then the NFL has no reason to take any of your complaints seriously.

[Legislurker]

[ QUOTE ]
Maybe we should all buy our NFL logo goods FROM ANTIGUA!

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe WSEX could rebroadcast all NFL games live to its members?

[Legislurker]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Maybe we should all write to the NFL and some of their to express our displeasure. I'm not suggesting poker players boycott football and beer, but I think we could tell them we'll keep this in mind when deciding what to buy and what to watch.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you're not prepared to, in fact, boycott the NFL and everything related to it (NFL highlights shows, NFL coverage, NFL advertisers, etc.), then the NFL has no reason to take any of your complaints seriously.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think boycotts could be effective, but it would take the PPA. It would take the PPA having a sack. You need orgainzers and some way to get the word out. I personally think a lottery boycott, if we got friends and family on board, would be better. Second best, boycott Harrah's. Then the NFL and major sports leagues. But that takes too large a list of names, employees , and money to do by ourselves.

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Maybe we should all write to the NFL and some of their to express our displeasure. I'm not suggesting poker players boycott football and beer, but I think we could tell them we'll keep this in mind when deciding what to buy and what to watch.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you're not prepared to, in fact, boycott the NFL and everything related to it (NFL highlights shows, NFL coverage, NFL advertisers, etc.), then the NFL has no reason to take any of your complaints seriously.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you have proof of that? Why don't you think they'll care if we significantly reduce our patronage of the league and their products?

My concern with claiming a total boycott is that it won't be believable. However, if we state we're not buying jerseys or any of their cable/satellite packages, we'll be in the realm of the doable.

However, if you're going to totally boycott them, you should write and tell them so.

Goodall's email address is goodellr@nfl.com .

[oldbookguy]

Engineer, you never cease to amaze me, the direct e-mail to the commish.....

OK, should we organize a e-mail campaign aimed at him?

obg

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]

Engineer, you never cease to amaze me, the direct e-mail to the commish.....

OK, should we organize a e-mail campaign aimed at him?

obg

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks. I got it from a site on the 'net, so I can't be certain yet if it's legit. I'll post if I receive a response.

I think we should all write (email and snail mail). Let them know opposing us isn't free.

[whangarei]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Engineer, you never cease to amaze me, the direct e-mail to the commish.....

OK, should we organize a e-mail campaign aimed at him?

obg

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks. I got it from a site on the 'net, so I can't be certain yet if it's legit. I'll post if I receive a response.

I think we should all write (email and snail mail). Let them know opposing us isn't free.

[/ QUOTE ]

Definately let us know if you get a response. I will send him an email on my personal boycott.

And for those saying we need a mass organized boycott, we don't. Your personal decisions make a difference, however small. It all adds up. So make a personal decision to boycott the coalition, especially the NFL. Of course a PPA-sponsored boycott would be better but there isn't one right now.

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
Definately let us know if you get a response. I will send him an email on my personal boycott.

And for those saying we need a mass organized boycott, we don't. Your personal decisions make a difference, however small. It all adds up. So make a personal decision to boycott the coalition, especially the NFL. Of course a PPA-sponsored boycott would be better but there isn't one right now.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks. Yes, every bit helps.

As for this, I suggested a boycott a few months ago in my "Fight for Online Gaming" thread, but none the folks who replied thought much of it. We do have more info now, so it may be more doable. As for me, I plan on boycotting them. This way, I can send them a note in a couple of weeks informing them of the downgrade from limited viewership to boycott.

I put a read receipt request on my email, so I'll hopefully be able to verify the email address that way. I'll post here as soon as I know.

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
August 13, 2007

Mr. G. Richard Wagoner Jr.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
General Motors Corporation
300 Renaissance Center
Detroit, Michigan 48265

Dear Mr. Wagoner:

I am writing to share with you my anger and disappointment at the National Football League’s very vocal advocacy of a ban on all Internet gaming (even non-sports betting such as poker). I fail to understand why their concerns over the honesty of their million-dollar players constitutes an “integrity issue” severe enough to necessitate restricting MY freedoms. Seems they should have enough resources to maintain their integrity without infringing on my liberty. It seems they forget that it’s the fans who make the league possible.

As a result of their work against my liberty, I’ll definitely watch less NFL football from now on. I’ll also be less likely to patronize sponsors who remain silent in the face of this affront to liberty. I did purchase a new Corvette Z06 three years ago from *** ***** Chevrolet in ****, Kentucky [courtesy of the fish /images/graemlins/wink.gif], and I am in the market for a new car now. As such, I ask where GM stands on this. Will General Motors support freedom, or will you support Prohibition 2.0?

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

TheEngineer

[/ QUOTE ]

GM called me back today to discuss my letter. I don't imagine they'll stop advertising with the NFL, but at least we were all heard.

[Legislurker]

See if Mr Pappas would like to get on board.

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
See if Mr Pappas would like to get on board.

[/ QUOTE ]

We discussed it last week (the situation in general...not a boycott per se). I have a call scheduled with him tomorrow.

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
Definately let us know if you get a response.

[/ QUOTE ]

I just received a read receipt:

[ QUOTE ]
Your message

To: Pugliese, Deborah
Subject: Sponsors
Sent: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:54:50 -0400

was read on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:09:11 -0400

[/ QUOTE ]

Per http://www.stressinstitute.com/AboutDrKathleenHall/Blog.aspx :

[ QUOTE ]
NFL Commissioner,

Assistant – Debra Pugliesi

212-450-2000

goodellr@nfl.com


[/ QUOTE ]

Looks like a match. So, start writing and calling everyone! Let them know they aren't drawing for free. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[TheEngineer]

I sent three letters today, spaced out by a few hours each. The first letter was to the NFL. The second was a copy of one of my letters to an advertiser (Anheuser-Busch). The third was a copy of my letter to my senator. I hope we'll all try to fill his inbox this week...a bunch of letters at once will make more of an impact than piecemeal ones, especially as the season hasn't started yet.

I'm not naive enough to think they'll change their minds instantly or completely, but I'd like them to think first next time they decide to write a letter. Perhaps they'll at least think twice before so cavalierly recommending a wholesale ban. The good thing is that this is easy. We should all be able to fire off an email.

[Tuff_Fish]

Email sent.

Go Chargers, ... but I ain't buying nothing.

Tuff

[Uglyowl]

Nice work on the e-mail address:

Good evening Mr. Goodell,

As a life-long NFL fan, I am writing about your leagues' stance that ALL internet gaming should be illegal (even online poker). Please realize that your letter had a large negative impact in the latest push to get online poker legal status in the United States.

Unfortunately alot of the fans the NFL appeals to also enjoys online poker and this is growing with more internet savvy consumers. Amongst my friends we are starting to realize the negative effect that your league has had on being able to play a game we enjoy. Personally I will not be buying jerseys, trading cards, NFL tickets, etc. as a result of your actions. In any given year in the past I have spent on average $400 on NFL products/tickets.

Please carefully consider actions you may take that effect areas outside of your game. I am very disappointed as a past NFL supporter.

Thank you,

XXXXXX XXXXX

[Tuff_Fish]

[ QUOTE ]

.
.
The second was a copy of one of my letters to an advertiser (Anheuser-Busch).
.
.


[/ QUOTE ]

Would I be a hypocrite for sending one too, even though I very much dislike Budweiser?


/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Tuff

[KEW]

[ QUOTE ]
I sent three letters today, spaced out by a few hours each. The first letter was to the NFL. The second was a copy of one of my letters to an advertiser (Anheuser-Busch). The third was a copy of my letter to my senator. I hope we'll all try to fill his inbox this week...a bunch of letters at once will make more of an impact than piecemeal ones, especially as the season hasn't started yet.

I'm not naive enough to think they'll change their minds instantly or completely, but I'd like them to think first next time they decide to write a letter. Perhaps they'll at least think twice before so cavalierly recommending a wholesale ban. The good thing is that this is easy. We should all be able to fire off an email.

[/ QUOTE ]

E-mail sent will send another one in the morning...

The NFL really burns me up with there stance here..Without gambling the NFL would still be second to baseball..

[Uglyowl]

I am sure you drink one of these:

http://www.anheuser-busch.com/beer/beer.html

[oldbookguy]

great job!

My letter:
Roger Goodell
Commissioner
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Sir,

As a fan of football since my youth in the 1960’s, today I am as disappointed in the NFL as when my beloved Colts lost to the Jets way back when.

Your position taken concerning individual choices American Citizens are allowed to make in the privacy of my home and a desire to deny me those rights………..

Well, I still have rights, and the one I have decided today to exercise is to, sadly, tune out the NFL this year. No, I will not be buying any new Colts hats or jerseys. And no, I will not be tuning into the Sunday games, sorry, your sponsors will get one less viewer for their money.

Meanwhile, back at the computer, I will continue playing a leisurely game of poker now and then, maybe while watching something important, the History Channel. And hey, if I get lucky, they may even be showing the series on the American Revolution and how we came to have freedoms to begin with!

Sincerely,

obg

[whangarei]

Obg, we have had our disagreements in the past (and I still question your assertion that you are just a common sense guy given your assumption that the Obama dinners are chosen by lottery, but that's a different story /images/graemlins/grin.gif) but that is a very good letter. Here's mine:

[ QUOTE ]

Dear Mr. Goodell,

As a lifetime fan of the Chicago Bears, the NFL has meant a lot to me. The games offered one of the few bonding opportunities I had with my father.

I understand however that you are lobbying Congress to take away a freedom that is very important to me. That freedom is playing poker online from the comfort of my home. The NFL was instrumental in getting legislation passed last year which made playing poker more difficult, and you are now lobbying against well-meaning liberterian members of Congress who are trying to reinstate our ability to play poker online.

I have been a subscriber to NFL Season Ticket since I no longer live in the Chicago area. I have chosen not to renew my membership this year due to your lobbying efforts to prevent me from playing poker in the comfort of my own home. In fact I will make sure not to contribute any revenue to your organization until you distinguish between your dislike for sports betting and my ability to play online poker.

Respectfully,

whangarei

[/ QUOTE ]

[Kegs]

Don't forget to write your local teams. If they have a VP of Public Relations make sure you send to him. Also send to the team owner and the director of marketing.

[Mondogarage]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Maybe we should all write to the NFL and some of their to express our displeasure. I'm not suggesting poker players boycott football and beer, but I think we could tell them we'll keep this in mind when deciding what to buy and what to watch.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you're not prepared to, in fact, boycott the NFL and everything related to it (NFL highlights shows, NFL coverage, NFL advertisers, etc.), then the NFL has no reason to take any of your complaints seriously.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you have proof of that? Why don't you think they'll care if we significantly reduce our patronage of the league and their products?

My concern with claiming a total boycott is that it won't be believable. However, if we state we're not buying jerseys or any of their cable/satellite packages, we'll be in the realm of the doable.

However, if you're going to totally boycott them, you should write and tell them so.

Goodall's email address is goodellr@nfl.com .

[/ QUOTE ]

So you're saying that taking lesser action *will* convince the NFL, but taking the most powerful action a single individual can take will not? That's odd logic.

"Significantly reduce" is meaningless. So you watch two less games on broadcast or cable per week? That's meaningless. You go from having Sunday Ticket, buying a couple jerseys, maybe even game tickets, to ZERO, and you multiply that by a few hundred thousand PPA members, then you've got something.

Lower concession sales
Lower TV ratings across the board
Lower licensed merchandise sales
Lower share of paid fantasy league money
Etc.

Here's the thing - you have to be willing to back it up by, in fact, boycotting. What's not believeable about that, if the ratings and the dollars show the effects?

If all you claim is "we're not buying your jerseys and extra cable packages", that's hardly a drop in the bucket to overall league revenues. And further, they know that if you're still watching your 3-4 games a Sunday on Fox and ESPN, they've got you hook, line, and sinker, because at that point, they know you need their entertainment more than they need what little bit of money you'd spend on their ancillaries every year. Because the lion's share is in the TV contracts.

If you want to be prepared to go to war with the NFL over their support of UIGEA, then you need to actually be prepared to go to war. Because they are.

[Legislurker]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Maybe we should all write to the NFL and some of their to express our displeasure. I'm not suggesting poker players boycott football and beer, but I think we could tell them we'll keep this in mind when deciding what to buy and what to watch.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you're not prepared to, in fact, boycott the NFL and everything related to it (NFL highlights shows, NFL coverage, NFL advertisers, etc.), then the NFL has no reason to take any of your complaints seriously.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you have proof of that? Why don't you think they'll care if we significantly reduce our patronage of the league and their products?

My concern with claiming a total boycott is that it won't be believable. However, if we state we're not buying jerseys or any of their cable/satellite packages, we'll be in the realm of the doable.

However, if you're going to totally boycott them, you should write and tell them so.

Goodall's email address is goodellr@nfl.com .

[/ QUOTE ]

So you're saying that taking lesser action *will* convince the NFL, but taking the most powerful action a single individual can take will not? That's odd logic.

"Significantly reduce" is meaningless. So you watch two less games on broadcast or cable per week? That's meaningless. You go from having Sunday Ticket, buying a couple jerseys, maybe even game tickets, to ZERO, and you multiply that by a few hundred thousand PPA members, then you've got something.

Lower concession sales
Lower TV ratings across the board
Lower licensed merchandise sales
Lower share of paid fantasy league money
Etc.

Here's the thing - you have to be willing to back it up by, in fact, boycotting. What's not believeable about that, if the ratings and the dollars show the effects?

If all you claim is "we're not buying your jerseys and extra cable packages", that's hardly a drop in the bucket to overall league revenues. And further, they know that if you're still watching your 3-4 games a Sunday on Fox and ESPN, they've got you hook, line, and sinker, because at that point, they know you need their entertainment more than they need what little bit of money you'd spend on their ancillaries every year. Because the lion's share is in the TV contracts.

If you want to be prepared to go to war with the NFL over their support of UIGEA, then you need to actually be prepared to go to war. Because they are.

[/ QUOTE ]

Two things. Something is better than nothing. Calling, writing, emailing, etc is all we can do now. Not buying Sunday Ticket is one thing that will make them notice.

The other is yeah, we need ot go to war. But that requires the PPA. We just can't mobilize hundreds of thousands without their database and resources. Im willing to bet we could get 100 people in a week to start organizing a war, but the PPA prefers top shelf cocktails and fine dining with our dues. We need them, we need to be them, but Card Player is a shill for Harrah's in this. The NFL shouldn't be our primary boycott. Harrah's should be.

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
So you're saying that taking lesser action *will* convince the NFL, but taking the most powerful action a single individual can take will not? That's odd logic.

"Significantly reduce" is meaningless. So you watch two less games on broadcast or cable per week? That's meaningless. You go from having Sunday Ticket, buying a couple jerseys, maybe even game tickets, to ZERO, and you multiply that by a few hundred thousand PPA members, then you've got something.

Lower concession sales
Lower TV ratings across the board
Lower licensed merchandise sales
Lower share of paid fantasy league money
Etc.

Here's the thing - you have to be willing to back it up by, in fact, boycotting. What's not believeable about that, if the ratings and the dollars show the effects?

If all you claim is "we're not buying your jerseys and extra cable packages", that's hardly a drop in the bucket to overall league revenues. And further, they know that if you're still watching your 3-4 games a Sunday on Fox and ESPN, they've got you hook, line, and sinker, because at that point, they know you need their entertainment more than they need what little bit of money you'd spend on their ancillaries every year. Because the lion's share is in the TV contracts.

If you want to be prepared to go to war with the NFL over their support of UIGEA, then you need to actually be prepared to go to war. Because they are.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

If you'd like to lead a boycott, I encourage you to go for it. You don't need me to agree with your approach. Just take the lead and do it.

The approach I chose to take was to gradually get the ball rolling with some emails to them informing them that we disapprove while being cordial enough to give them an opportunity to respond. If we get nasty (or no) responses, we can use these to get people on board with a boycott, and AT THAT TIME we can escalate our letters up to total boycotts (which could be only a couple of weeks from now). After all, it's not like they're going to quake in their boots over a twenty person boycott.

Anyway, I appoint you leader of the boycott effort. I won't watch any NFL this year just on general principle, so I'm in. What's next?

[oldbookguy]

I am already in, read my post, the sponsors will get one less viewer for their money.

When the time comes, and soon I hope, we will need to send letters to ALL news outlets from many of us who are on board.

Maybe if one picks up the story, even if presented as a few nuts, a momentum will build.

obg

[DeliciousBass]

[ QUOTE ]
I am already in, read my post, the sponsors will get one less viewer for their money.

[/ QUOTE ]

I actually think the "trim down" approach is a better one. As it stands, I'll be watching my local games and sending a letter to those that advertise during said broadcasts to inform them I won't be purchasing their product because they were on during an NFL game.

So while droping Sunday ticket, game tickets, etc are important...FOX and CBS receiving questions from their sponsors as to why they're getting letters saying Mr. DBass is not going to buy Miracle Whip because they advertise during NFL games and "what's this about the league trying to restrict freedom?" might do a bit more.

In other words I'm boycotting those that support the NFL more directly.

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
I am already in, read my post, the sponsors will get one less viewer for their money.

When the time comes, and soon I hope, we will need to send letters to ALL news outlets from many of us who are on board.

Maybe if one picks up the story, even if presented as a few nuts, a momentum will build.

obg

[/ QUOTE ]

Cool.

I suggested a boycott a few months ago but no one was interested (didn't have the articles or the latest letter at that time), so I figured I'd take it slower this time to get folks on board. Now I have some guy I never heard of screaming that I'm not doing enough. LOL.

Anyway, I hope we can make a difference. Our problem with the letter is Congress, really. That's where our focus should be....rebutting the letter.

[oldbookguy]

Help I have leaned often times comes from unlooked for places and as my mother always told me, be careful what you ask for, you might get it.

With that said, a NEW legal Football wagering is emerging and debuts this week.

Fantasy betting.

Major Wager story begins as follows:

story:
http://www.majorwager.com/forums/mess-ha...statistics.html (http://www.majorwager.com/forums/mess-hall/154353-las-vegas-sports-book-start-taking-bets-players-projected-fantasy-statistics.html)

The billion-dollar business of fantasy football got another new player Wednesday: Las Vegas oddsmakers.

Station Casinos Inc., the fifth-largest sports book in the country, was to become the first to release a betting line - at 7 p.m. EDT - and start taking wagers based on players' projected fantasy statistics.

obg

[Tuff_Fish]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I am already in, read my post, the sponsors will get one less viewer for their money.

[/ QUOTE ]

I actually think the "trim down" approach is a better one. As it stands, I'll be watching my local games and sending a letter to those that advertise during said broadcasts to inform them I won't be purchasing their product because they were on during an NFL game.

So while droping Sunday ticket, game tickets, etc are important...FOX and CBS receiving questions from their sponsors as to why they're getting letters saying Mr. DBass is not going to buy Miracle Whip because they advertise during NFL games and "what's this about the league trying to restrict freedom?" might do a bit more.

In other words I'm boycotting those that support the NFL more directly.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is an excellent approach. It is basically what I said in my email to NFL commisioner. I am gonna watch, but I ain't buying.

Get after the sponsors. They care a lot more.

Tuff

[TheEngineer]

Let's also write to the House Financial Services Committee
(same note, different addressee):

House Financial Services Committee
Democratic Staff
2129 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

[TheEngineer]

[ QUOTE ]
So you're saying that taking lesser action *will* convince the NFL, but taking the most powerful action a single individual can take will not? That's odd logic.

[/ QUOTE ]

No, that's standard logic.

[Mondogarage]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for sharing your opinion.

If you'd like to lead a boycott, I encourage you to go for it. You don't need me to agree with your approach. Just take the lead and do it.

The approach I chose to take was to gradually get the ball rolling with some emails to them informing them that we disapprove while being cordial enough to give them an opportunity to respond. If we get nasty (or no) responses, we can use these to get people on board with a boycott, and AT THAT TIME we can escalate our letters up to total boycotts (which could be only a couple of weeks from now). After all, it's not like they're going to quake in their boots over a twenty person boycott.

Anyway, I appoint you leader of the boycott effort. I won't watch any NFL this year just on general principle, so I'm in. What's next?

[/ QUOTE ]

I do appreciate anything that anyone is doing, because no steps taken are "bad". It's just a matter of degrees. That said, I can't even remember the last time I intentionally watched an NFL game in the first place. (not for activist reasons, I've just haven't been a football fan for about the last 20 years). 10 years in DC, the last 2 in Denver, and I've not gone to one game. Plenty of Rockies games, though. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anyway, I'm nobody's boycott leader in this, since there's nothing for me to boycott, but I will follow this with interest.

[Legislurker]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for sharing your opinion.

If you'd like to lead a boycott, I encourage you to go for it. You don't need me to agree with your approach. Just take the lead and do it.

The approach I chose to take was to gradually get the ball rolling with some emails to them informing them that we disapprove while being cordial enough to give them an opportunity to respond. If we get nasty (or no) responses, we can use these to get people on board with a boycott, and AT THAT TIME we can escalate our letters up to total boycotts (which could be only a couple of weeks from now). After all, it's not like they're going to quake in their boots over a twenty person boycott.

Anyway, I appoint you leader of the boycott effort. I won't watch any NFL this year just on general principle, so I'm in. What's next?

[/ QUOTE ]

I do appreciate anything that anyone is doing, because no steps taken are "bad". It's just a matter of degrees. That said, I can't even remember the last time I intentionally watched an NFL game in the first place. (not for activist reasons, I've just haven't been a football fan for about the last 20 years). 10 years in DC, the last 2 in Denver, and I've not gone to one game. Plenty of Rockies games, though. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anyway, I'm nobody's boycott leader in this, since there's nothing for me to boycott, but I will follow this with interest.

[/ QUOTE ]

As far as "boycotts" go number of claimants and callers/writers is rarely a majority consumer of the product. Bad publicity and a small dip in sales can lead to firings or no bonuses. If we had a million poker players, and they all called in to say no Sunday TIcket, well I doubt they sell a million packages, but they will figure a % of us do. You don't have to like the NFL to be an effective part of a boycott if you are vocal. I wouldnt buy a Chevrolet, Ford, or Chrysler car with your money and a stolen tag, but I will call them on the phone and say I boycott you because you advertize in the NFL.