NFL won’t let church show game
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NFL has nixed a church’s plans to use a wall projector to show the Colts-Bears Super Bowl game, saying it would violate copyright laws. NFL officials spotted a promotion of Fall Creek Baptist Church’s “Super Bowl Bash” on the church Web site last week and overnighted a letter to the pastor demanding the party be canceled, the church said…. [T]he NFL objected to the church’s plans to use a projector to show the game, saying the law limits it to one TV no bigger than 55 inches.
So a church wants to have a Super Bowl party. They’re not charging admission, or trying to profit in any way off the game. So why do the joyless trolls at NFL headquarters have their panties in a wad? Well, because the church is planning on showing the game on a screen larger than 55”. Anything larger, and the NFL requires that they be paid royalties…like they don’t already have enough damn money….
Before anyone lectures me on the inner workings of a capitalist economy, let me just state for the record that I GET IT. I understand that a business has every right to protect it’s revenue stream and it’s legitimate business interest. I suppose that there are all sorts of unscrupulous folks out there who would be willing to charge admission to see today’s Super Bowl. Sadly for them, The No Fun League is ever-vigilant in protecting the interests of their revenue stream. That they go to some ridiculous lengths, and incur some bad PR to do so seems not to bother anyone at their Manhattan headquarters a bit.
We’re talking about a church that’s trying to provide an opportunity for it’s congregants to come together in an atmosphere less formal than the normal Sunday morning services. No one was planning on making a profit, or screwing the No Fun League out of their rightful tuppence. Jeebus, people, get a sense of humor, willya? Failing that, some persective would be greatly appreciated.
Every year ‘round about this time, the NFL proves all over again what a collection of joyless, soulless trolls they really are. This year’s example ranks up their with the best of ‘em. Nice going, eh??
It’s a good thing the ion bombardment tube at our house is only 51”, eh? I’d hate to have to deal with a cease and desist letter from Roger Goodell.
