NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

Here is a new article published in the Financial Times.

Financial Times

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?


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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.”

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Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

BOYCOTT THE NFL gogogogogo

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

[ 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 ]

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

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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.

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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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

obg

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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 [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]], 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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

[ 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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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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.

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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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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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!"

WRONG!
 

[ 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

Re: WRONG!
 

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.

Re: WRONG!
 

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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

[ 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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

obg

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

[ 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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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?

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

[ 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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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!!

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

[ 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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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?

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

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.

Re: NFL enlists Christian right to fight Barney Frank
 

The world according to the NFL and their politicians:
good
good
good
evil