Changes

'''Unplug the NFL''' is advocated by ''Conservapedia'' in response to the [[NFL]]'s [[paganism]], its [[Lifespan of NFL players and fans|shortening of lifespans]], its promotion of [[gambling]] (50M [[American]]s bet on the [[Super Bowl]]) rather than [[chivalry|sportsmanship]], its bilking of taxpayers of billions for stadiums, and its [[Blacklisting Tim Tebow|exclusion of Tim Tebow]] apparently for quoting the [[Bible]] too much.<ref>The slogan "unplug the NFL" was created by ''Conservapedia'', with this entry.  Others are welcome to use this slogan, preferably with attribution.</ref>  Collusion among owners and coaches include [[NFL sham tryouts]] and sham coaching interviews.<ref>https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/02/03/agent-lions-held-sham-interview-with-teryl-austin-before-hiring-matt-patricia/</ref>  '''''Many websites express dismay at how [[demonic]] the NFL really is'''''.

'''Unplug the NFL''' is advocated by ''Conservapedia'' in response to the [[NFL]]'s [[paganism]], its [[Lifespan of NFL players and fans|shortening of lifespans]], its promotion of [[gambling]] (50M [[American]]s bet on the [[Super Bowl]]) rather than [[chivalry|sportsmanship]], its bilking of taxpayers of billions for stadiums, and its [[Blacklisting Tim Tebow|exclusion of Tim Tebow]] apparently for quoting the [[Bible]] too much.<ref>The slogan "unplug the NFL" was created by ''Conservapedia'', with this entry.  Others are welcome to use this slogan, preferably with attribution.</ref>  Collusion among owners and coaches include [[NFL sham tryouts]] and sham coaching interviews.<ref>https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/02/03/agent-lions-held-sham-interview-with-teryl-austin-before-hiring-matt-patricia/</ref>  '''''Many websites express dismay at how [[demonic]] the NFL really is'''''.

Spectator pro football is an inherently addictive -- and selfish -- activity which may increase dementia as excessive television watching generally does.<ref>https://nypost.com/2019/02/28/watching-3-5-hours-of-tv-a-day-increases-risk-of-dementia-study/</ref>  '''''Anecdotal evidence of addicted football fans developing dementia is commonplace'''''.  

Spectator pro football is an inherently addictive -- and selfish -- activity that may increase dementia as excessive television watching generally does.<ref>https://nypost.com/2019/02/28/watching-3-5-hours-of-tv-a-day-increases-risk-of-dementia-study/</ref>  '''''Anecdotal evidence of addicted football fans developing dementia is commonplace'''''.  

The [[NFL]] is one of the biggest promoters of the [[homosexual agenda]] and [[transgender agenda]], partly to appease [[liberal]] television networks.  The [[Dallas Cowboys]], although located in [[conservative]] [[Texas]], have promoted both agendas while receiving preferential televised coverage, as on [[Thanksgiving Day]].  The [[NFL]] promotes and profits from [[gambling]] [[addiction]], and yet tyrannically suspends players for silly reasons related to gambling.<ref>https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10073237-lions-jameson-williams-among-nfl-players-suspended-for-violating-gambling-policy?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial</ref>

The [[NFL]] is one of the biggest promoters of the [[homosexual agenda]] and [[transgender agenda]], partly to appease [[liberal]] television networks.  The [[Dallas Cowboys]], although located in [[conservative]] [[Texas]], have promoted both agendas while receiving preferential televised coverage, as on [[Thanksgiving Day]].  The [[NFL]] promotes and profits from [[gambling]] [[addiction]], and yet tyrannically suspends players for silly reasons related to gambling.<ref>https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10073237-lions-jameson-williams-among-nfl-players-suspended-for-violating-gambling-policy?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial</ref>

Players are cut from NFL squads based on what they say on [[social media]] rather than athletic merit, while the NFL bilks taxpayers for an estimated $1 billion annually.<ref>The NFL even got the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] to waste money on searching for a player's jersey in [[Mexico]] in 2017.</ref>  In 2022, the Democrat-arranged government subsidy of the Buffalo Bills, which is owned by a billionaire family, exceeded more than $1 billion.<ref>See [[Essay:Overpriced Sports Teams]], citing [https://readsludge.com/2022/06/25/hochuls-stadium-swindle/].</ref>  The NFL selfishly canceled a Grammy-award winning singer from performing the [[National Anthem]] on opening day and refused to pay her fee,<ref>At its opening game on Sept. 9, 2021.</ref> because she had a religious exemption from the [[COVID vaccine]].  Why would [[Christian]]s support this selfish [[atheism]]?  The coveted younger demographic (18-49) is abandoning the NFL in droves.<ref>"Super Bowl 55 saw a decline in the 18 to 49 viewer demographic for the ninth year running. The 2021 Super Bowl lost another 37 percent of viewers in that age demo over last year’s audience." [https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2021/02/10/nfl-hemorrhaging-young-viewers-under-50-super-bowl-viewership-declines-ninth-straight-year/]</ref>  Propped up by taxpayer subsidies, the [[Washington Commanders]] was purchased for $6 billion by a [[private equity]]-funded group in 2023, in another obscene enrichment of owners.<ref>https://www.cbsnews.com/news/washington-commanders-sale-nfl-owners-approve-dan-snyder-josh-harris-6-billion/</ref>

Players are cut from NFL squads based on what they say on [[social media]] rather than athletic merit, while the NFL bilks taxpayers for an estimated $1 billion annually.<ref>The NFL even got the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] to waste money on searching for a player's jersey in [[Mexico]] in 2017.</ref>  In 2022, the Democrat-arranged government subsidy of the Buffalo Bills, which is owned by a billionaire family, exceeded more than $1 billion.<ref>See [[Essay:Overpriced Sports Teams]], citing [https://readsludge.com/2022/06/25/hochuls-stadium-swindle/].</ref>  The NFL selfishly canceled a Grammy-award-winning singer from performing the [[National Anthem]] on opening day and refused to pay her fee,<ref>At its opening game on Sept. 9, 2021.</ref> because she had a religious exemption from the [[COVID vaccine]].  Why would [[Christian]]s support this selfish [[atheism]]?  The coveted younger demographic (18-49) is abandoning the NFL in droves.<ref>"Super Bowl 55 saw a decline in the 18 to 49 viewer demographic for the ninth year running. The 2021 Super Bowl lost another 37 percent of viewers in that age demo over last year’s audience." [https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2021/02/10/nfl-hemorrhaging-young-viewers-under-50-super-bowl-viewership-declines-ninth-straight-year/]</ref>  Propped up by taxpayer subsidies, the [[Washington Commanders]] was purchased for $6 billion by a [[private equity]]-funded group in 2023, in another obscene enrichment of owners.<ref>https://www.cbsnews.com/news/washington-commanders-sale-nfl-owners-approve-dan-snyder-josh-harris-6-billion/</ref>

'''''[[Herschel Walker]], one of the [[Greatest Conservative Sports Stars|greatest athletes ever]], is excluded from the NFL Hall of Fame despite his tremendous career'''''.  Exactly the same can be said of [[Tim Tebow]].  The top recruits out of college rarely realize their potential by playing in the NFL anymore, and almost none of the top athletes in the league get to play on [[Super Bowl Sunday]].

'''''[[Herschel Walker]], one of the [[Greatest Conservative Sports Stars|greatest athletes ever]], is excluded from the NFL Hall of Fame despite his tremendous career'''''.  Exactly the same can be said of [[Tim Tebow]].  The top recruits out of college rarely realize their potential by playing in the NFL anymore, and almost none of the top athletes in the league get to play on [[Super Bowl Sunday]].

The NFL panders to the [[liberal media]] and encourages "[[fantasy football]]," a form of [[gambling]] and false worship.<ref>"From very early times gambling was forbidden by canon law. Two of the oldest among the so-called canons of the [[Apostles]] forbade games of chance under pain of [[excommunication]] to clergy and laity alike." See [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06375b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia], which continues to observe:  "The 79th canon of the Council of Elvira (306) decreed that one of the faithful who had been guilty of gambling might be, on amendment, restored to communion after the lapse of a year. A homily (the famous "De Aleatoribus") long ascribed by St. Cyprian, but by modern scholars variously attributed to Popes Victor I, Callistus I, and Melchiades, and which undoubtedly is a very early and interesting monument of Christian antiquity, is a vigorous denunciation of gambling. The Fourth Lateran Council (1215), by a decree subsequently inserted in the "Corpus Juris", forbade clerics to play or to be present at games of chance. Some authorities, such as Aubespine, have attempted to explain the severity of the ancient canons against gambling by supposing that idolatry was often connected with it in practice. The pieces that were played with were small-sized idols, or images of the gods, which were invoked by the players for good luck."</ref>  Genuine fans—as opposed to gamblers—are mostly irrelevant to the NFL profit model.<ref>[https://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/01/rams-chargers-raiders-move-to-los-angeles-london-nfl-owners-proposal When will fans realize that NFL owners don't care about them?]</ref>  Beginning in 2016, the NFL has allowed displays of defiance against the [[National Anthem]].   

The NFL panders to the [[liberal media]] and encourages "[[fantasy football]]," a form of [[gambling]] and false worship.<ref>"From very early times gambling was forbidden by canon law. Two of the oldest among the so-called canons of the [[Apostles]] forbade games of chance under pain of [[excommunication]] to clergy and laity alike." See [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06375b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia], which continues to observe:  "The 79th canon of the Council of Elvira (306) decreed that one of the faithful who had been guilty of gambling might be, on amendment, restored to communion after the lapse of a year. A homily (the famous "De Aleatoribus") long ascribed by St. Cyprian, but by modern scholars variously attributed to Popes Victor I, Callistus I, and Melchiades, and which undoubtedly is a very early and interesting monument of Christian antiquity, is a vigorous denunciation of gambling. The Fourth Lateran Council (1215), by a decree subsequently inserted in the "Corpus Juris", forbade clerics to play or to be present at games of chance. Some authorities, such as Aubespine, have attempted to explain the severity of the ancient canons against gambling by supposing that idolatry was often connected with it in practice. The pieces that were played with were small-sized idols, or images of the gods, which were invoked by the players for good luck."</ref>  Genuine fans—as opposed to gamblers—are mostly irrelevant to the NFL profit model.<ref>[https://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/01/rams-chargers-raiders-move-to-los-angeles-london-nfl-owners-proposal When will fans realize that NFL owners don't care about them?]</ref>  Beginning in 2016, the NFL has allowed displays of defiance against the [[National Anthem]].   

The Washington Redskins cut one of the finest safeties in the [[NFL]] because he publicly criticized its awful coaching, and he pointed out that he probably watches more game films than the coaches do.<ref>https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/12/fans-are-outraged-redskins-cut-d-j-swearinger-after-he-criticized-team</ref>  Fans were furious how coaches cut this star, but genuine fans are irrelevant to NFL profits.  This and other moves by the NFL shows that is more like professional wrestling, where participants are expected to puff up the product, than a meritocracy.

The Washington Redskins cut one of the finest safeties in the [[NFL]] because he publicly criticized its awful coaching, and he pointed out that he probably watches more game films than the coaches do.<ref>https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/12/fans-are-outraged-redskins-cut-d-j-swearinger-after-he-criticized-team</ref>  Fans were furious how coaches cut this star, but genuine fans are irrelevant to NFL profits.  This and other moves by the NFL show that is more like professional wrestling, where participants are expected to puff up the product, than a meritocracy.

There is an average of only 11 minutes of football action in a typical 3-hour NFL broadcast.<ref name="WSJ">https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704281204575002852055561406</ref>  Commercials, usually for alcoholic beverages or gambling, consume a third of the broadcast.  Cheerleaders are rarely, if ever, shown in most NFL broadcasts anymore, while injured players are shown more than celebrating players.<ref name="WSJ"/>

There is an average of only 11 minutes of football action in a typical 3-hour NFL broadcast.<ref name="WSJ">https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704281204575002852055561406</ref>  Commercials, usually for alcoholic beverages or gambling, consume a third of the broadcast.  Cheerleaders are rarely, if ever, shown in most NFL broadcasts anymore, while injured players are shown more than celebrating players.<ref name="WSJ"/>

Much of what the NFL does is fraudulent.  While star NFL player Aaron Hernandez committed murder and later hanged himself in prison when serving a life sentence, his team the New England Patriots gave outspokenly [[Christian]] [[Tim Tebow]] a phony tryout to deflect from the scandal.  The public is further misled in how NFL players are promoted as superstar athletes, but many are actually in poor aerobic shape from a medical perspective and have reduced life expectancies.  Often the better athlete—such as a quarterback with a stronger arm—is benched in favor of a weaker athlete who can "read" defenses and throw sissy short passes, as [[Tom Brady]] does.

Much of what the NFL does is fraudulent.  While star NFL player Aaron Hernandez committed murder and later hanged himself in prison while serving a life sentence, his team the New England Patriots gave outspokenly [[Christian]] [[Tim Tebow]] a phony tryout to deflect from the scandal.  The public is further misled in how NFL players are promoted as superstar athletes, but many are actually in poor aerobic shape from a medical perspective and have reduced life expectancies.  Often the better athlete—such as a quarterback with a stronger arm—is benched in favor of a weaker athlete who can "read" defenses and throw sissy short passes, as [[Tom Brady]] does.

NFL-promoted "[[fantasy football]]" has grown from only 12 million participants a decade ago to an estimated 56 million, mostly men, today. In addition, the NFL advances the [[homosexual agenda]], such as with its halftime shows at the [[Super Bowl]].  Gambling on the Super Bowl topped $4.7 billion (not million) in 2018.<ref>https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2018/01/30/super-bowl-betting-total-to-top-4-7b-with-97-bet-illegally.html</ref>  [[Timothy McVeigh]] lost his life savings by [[gambling]] on his hometown Buffalo team in the 1993 [[Super Bowl]], and in his despair turned his obsession to the [[Branch Davidians|Branch Davidian]] standoff, according to ''Politico.com''.<ref>https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/09/02/how-football-fed-timothy-mcveighs-despair-219625</ref>

NFL-promoted "[[fantasy football]]" has grown from only 12 million participants a decade ago to an estimated 56 million, mostly men, today. In addition, the NFL advances the [[homosexual agenda]], such as with its halftime shows at the [[Super Bowl]].  Gambling on the Super Bowl topped $4.7 billion (not million) in 2018.<ref>https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2018/01/30/super-bowl-betting-total-to-top-4-7b-with-97-bet-illegally.html</ref>  [[Timothy McVeigh]] lost his life savings by [[gambling]] on his hometown Buffalo team in the 1993 [[Super Bowl]], and in his despair turned his obsession to the [[Branch Davidians|Branch Davidian]] standoff, according to ''Politico.com''.<ref>https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/09/02/how-football-fed-timothy-mcveighs-despair-219625</ref>

Much of the appeal of the NFL is the illusion that it is merit-based, like the Olympics, and has the best players.  But the exclusion of Tim Tebow proves that the NFL is not really based on merit, but on [[political correctness]].

Much of the appeal of the NFL is the illusion that it is merit-based, like the Olympics, and has the best players.  But the exclusion of Tim Tebow proves that the NFL is not really based on merit, but on [[political correctness]].

There is also a growing concern that watching or supporting the NFL may be immoral, in light of a study revealing that 96% of deceased NFL players test positive for [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]], or CTE.<ref>https://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2015/09/18/96-of-surveyed-nfl-players-test-positive-for-brain-disease/</ref>  Other studies suggest that the "average life expectancy of a retired NFL player is 55 years," and that "retired NFL players suffer from Alzheimer's at a 37 per cent higher rate than average."<ref>http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/news/the-average-life-expectancy-of-an-nfl-player-is-55-years.html</ref>  Some have compared watching NFL games to what the Romans did in watching the brutal gladiator fights, which is widely recognized to have been immoral and harmful to the society.<ref>The NFL exaggerates its audience sometimes.  For example, the NFL exaggerated ratings for its internet streaming, initially claiming that "33.6 million" watched a worldwide live stream of a Bills-Jaguars game in late October 2015, and then downgrading that estimate to less than half, or 15.2 million, which is still probably an exaggeration. [http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/27/nfl-exaggerated-sundays-bills-jags-internet-numbers/]</ref>

There is also a growing concern that watching or supporting the NFL may be immoral, in light of a study revealing that 96% of deceased NFL players test positive for [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]], or CTE.<ref>https://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2015/09/18/96-of-surveyed-nfl-players-test-positive-for-brain-disease/</ref>  Other studies suggest that the "average life expectancy of a retired NFL player is 55 years," and that "retired NFL players suffer from Alzheimer's at a 37 percent higher rate than average."<ref>http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/news/the-average-life-expectancy-of-an-nfl-player-is-55-years.html</ref>  Some have compared watching NFL games to what the Romans did in watching the brutal gladiator fights, which is widely recognized to have been immoral and harmful to the society.<ref>The NFL exaggerates its audience sometimes.  For example, the NFL exaggerated ratings for its internet streaming, initially claiming that "33.6 million" watched a worldwide live stream of a Bills-Jaguars game in late October 2015, and then downgrading that estimate to less than half, or 15.2 million, which is still probably an exaggeration. [http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/27/nfl-exaggerated-sundays-bills-jags-internet-numbers/]</ref>

==Damage to Health==

==Damage to Health==

=== Substance abuse ===

=== Substance abuse ===

Performance-enhancing substance abuse has widespread for a long time in the NFL, as owners and the players' union engage in [[liberal denial]] about it while profiting from the more violent play.  Lyle Alzado, a much-promoted star in the 1970s and 1980s, died at the age of only 43 from a rare form of cancer that he attributed to his steroid use,<ref>http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/Alzado_Lyle.html</ref> Alzado said he began taking anabolic steroids in 1969 (at the age of 20) and took them throughout his football career.<ref>http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1992-05-15/sports/1992136109_1_lyle-alzado-steroids-brain-cancer</ref>

Performance-enhancing substance abuse has been widespread for a long time in the NFL, as owners and the players' union engage in [[liberal denial]] about it while profiting from the more violent play.  Lyle Alzado, a much-promoted star in the 1970s and 1980s, died at the age of only 43 from a rare form of cancer that he attributed to his steroid use,<ref>http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/Alzado_Lyle.html</ref> Alzado said he began taking anabolic steroids in 1969 (at the age of 20) and took them throughout his football career.<ref>http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1992-05-15/sports/1992136109_1_lyle-alzado-steroids-brain-cancer</ref>

At least one expert has opined that problem is never going away.<ref>http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-performance-enhancing-drug-testing-will-get-tougher-ped-testing-tougher-alex-marvez-062515</ref>

At least one expert has opined that the problem is never going away.<ref>http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-performance-enhancing-drug-testing-will-get-tougher-ped-testing-tougher-alex-marvez-062515</ref>

The NFL banned substances policy has drawn criticism,<ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/27/national/main691147_page3.shtml  |work=CBS News |title=NFL Steroid Policy 'Not Perfect' |date=2005-04-27}}</ref> but the policy is one of the longest running in professional sports, beginning in 1987.<ref name="Apr28">{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21734-2005Apr28.html  |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=NFL's Steroid Policy Gets Kudos on Capitol Hill |first1=Mark |last1=Maske |first2=Leonard |last2=Shapiro |date=2005-04-28 |accessdate=2017-01-05}}</ref> Since the NFL started random, year-round tests and suspending players for banned substances, many more players have been found to be in violation of the policy. By April 2005, 111 NFL players had tested positive for banned substances, and of those 111, the NFL suspended 54.<ref name="CBS" /> The NFL testing for substance abuse is notoriously inadequate, as illustrated by the case of the convicted first-degree murderer, then-NFL star Aaron Hernandez.<ref>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/05/aaron-hernandez-knew-that-beating-nfl-drug-tests-is-easy/</ref>

The NFL banned substances policy has drawn criticism,<ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/27/national/main691147_page3.shtml  |work=CBS News |title=NFL Steroid Policy 'Not Perfect' |date=2005-04-27}}</ref> but the policy is one of the longest running in professional sports, beginning in 1987.<ref name="Apr28">{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21734-2005Apr28.html  |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=NFL's Steroid Policy Gets Kudos on Capitol Hill |first1=Mark |last1=Maske |first2=Leonard |last2=Shapiro |date=2005-04-28 |accessdate=2017-01-05}}</ref> Since the NFL started random, year-round tests and suspending players for banned substances, many more players have been found to be in violation of the policy. By April 2005, 111 NFL players had tested positive for banned substances, and of those 111, the NFL suspended 54.<ref name="CBS" /> The NFL testing for substance abuse is notoriously inadequate, as illustrated by the case of the convicted first-degree murderer, then-NFL star Aaron Hernandez.<ref>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/05/aaron-hernandez-knew-that-beating-nfl-drug-tests-is-easy/</ref>

Unlike Olympic sports and the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]], the NFL administers its substance abuse program independently of the [[United States Anti-Doping Agency]] (USADA).  So, the quality and rigor of the NFL's drug testing is not independently controlled.  However, since December 2009, USADA has a "Supplement Safety Now" program, in partnership with the NFL, [[Major League Baseball]], the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA), the [[National Hockey League]], the U.S. Olympic Committee and other national sports and health organizations. The program seeks to end dangerous and unscrupulous practices of "rogue" manufacturers within the nutritional supplement industry. The effort works to eliminate the practice of selling supplement products containing [[steroid]]s and other drugs which are labeled as "safe and legal" dietary supplements.

Unlike Olympic sports and the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]], the NFL administers its substance abuse program independently of the [[United States Anti-Doping Agency]] (USADA).  So, the quality and rigor of the NFL's drug testing is not independently controlled.  However, since December 2009, USADA has a "Supplement Safety Now" program, in partnership with the NFL, [[Major League Baseball]], the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA), the [[National Hockey League]], the U.S. Olympic Committee and other national sports and health organizations. The program seeks to end dangerous and unscrupulous practices of "rogue" manufacturers within the nutritional supplement industry. The effort works to eliminate the practice of selling supplement products containing [[steroid]]s and other drugs that are labeled as "safe and legal" dietary supplements.

== Questionable Economic Impact ==

== Questionable Economic Impact ==

NOTE: Much of the information here also applies to other professional sports leagues and teams, but the looting of taxpayers and the harm caused by the NFL to players and fans is far higher than most other sports. For example, [[sports gambling]] on NFL games is far more than other sports,<ref>https://variety.com/2023/sports/tech/the-nfl-is-the-most-popular-sport-to-bet-on-2022-1235467587/</ref> and head injuries are far greater too.

NOTE: Much of the information here also applies to other professional sports leagues and teams, but the looting of taxpayers and the harm caused by the NFL to players and fans is far higher than most other sports. For example, [[sports gambling]] on NFL games is far more than other sports,<ref>https://variety.com/2023/sports/tech/the-nfl-is-the-most-popular-sport-to-bet-on-2022-1235467587/</ref> and head injuries are far greater too.

The San Diego Free Press wrote an article titled "Five Reasons Losing an NFL Football Team is Good for a City."  The first reason quoted was that, even though NFL owners are making millions of dollars for themselves (and many NFL franchises are valued in the billions of dollars), they get taxpayers to foot much of the costs for the teams' stadiums.  Other reasons quoted include:

The San Diego Free Press wrote an article titled "Five Reasons Losing an NFL Football Team is Good for a City."  The first reason quoted was that, even though NFL owners are making millions of dollars for themselves (and many NFL franchises are valued in the billions of dollars), they get taxpayers to foot much of the costs for the teams' stadiums.  Other reasons quoted include:

*More support for college programs, which actually help people<ref>It should be noted, though, that only a handful of NFL cities also have a university with a football team which is a member of a FBS "Power 5" conference, and only one -- Los Angeles -- has two such universities.  Even so, many of those programs have never benefitted from increased attendance at collegiate games when the team has done well while the professional team has done poorly.</ref>

*More support for college programs, which actually help people<ref>It should be noted, though, that only a handful of NFL cities also have a university with a football team that is a member of a FBS "Power 5" conference, and only one -- Los Angeles -- has two such universities.  Even so, many of those programs have never benefitted from increased attendance at collegiate games when the team has done well while the professional team has done poorly.</ref>

*Less blighting of the land<ref>Though many new stadiums have been built in areas which were already blighted.</ref>

*Less blighting of the land<ref>Though many new stadiums have been built in areas that were already blighted.</ref>

*Greater local church attendance

*Greater local church attendance

*Fewer traffic jams<ref>http://sandiegofreepress.org/2015/02/five-reasons-losing-an-nfl-football-team-is-good-for-a-city/</ref>

*Fewer traffic jams<ref>http://sandiegofreepress.org/2015/02/five-reasons-losing-an-nfl-football-team-is-good-for-a-city/</ref>

{{cquote|Typically, according to Baade’s research (PDF) and supported by related studies, Super Bowl host cities see a negative rate of return. 'If you do a pure economic evaluation, we may be able to cover the explicit costs…but we can’t make the argument that accommodating the Super Bowl is actually better than anything else.'}}

{{cquote|Typically, according to Baade’s research (PDF) and supported by related studies, Super Bowl host cities see a negative rate of return. 'If you do a pure economic evaluation, we may be able to cover the explicit costs…but we can’t make the argument that accommodating the Super Bowl is actually better than anything else.'}}

At best, only a handful of warm-weather cities which are tourist destinations in and of themselves possibly benefit from hosting a Super Bowl.  An example of a city that has done so successfully is [[New Orleans]], which has a large indoor stadium (the Mercedes-Benz Superdome) that has hosted numerous large-scale events, including six of the seven prior Super Bowls held in the city.  Yet the NFL decided '''''not''''' to award Super Bowl LII in 2018 to New Orleans—which was celebrating its tri-centennial that year, and was clearly able to host both it and the Super Bowl—and instead awarded it to cold-weather Minneapolis-St. Paul as they were able to connive taxpayers into building a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings franchise.<ref>The stadium itself is now controversial: the glass lacks reflective coatings which prevent migratory birds from flying into it, and is now heavily criticized by conservationist organizations.</ref>

At best, only a handful of warm-weather cities that are tourist destinations in and of themselves possibly benefit from hosting a Super Bowl.  An example of a city that has done so successfully is [[New Orleans]], which has a large indoor stadium (the Mercedes-Benz Superdome) that has hosted numerous large-scale events, including six of the seven prior Super Bowls held in the city.  Yet the NFL decided '''''not''''' to award Super Bowl LII in 2018 to New Orleans—which was celebrating its tri-centennial that year, and was clearly able to host both it and the Super Bowl—and instead awarded it to cold-weather Minneapolis-St. Paul as they were able to connive taxpayers into building a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings franchise.<ref>The stadium itself is now controversial: the glass lacks reflective coatings which prevent migratory birds from flying into it, and is now heavily criticized by conservationist organizations.</ref>

The 2018 Super Bowl showed an attendance anomaly—attendance was reported at 70,081, nearly 3,000 '''''fewer''''' fans than attended the MLS Cup (Major League Soccer final) in the same stadium two months prior, notwithstanding that 1) the Super Bowl was played in Atlanta, home to the world's busiest airport (thus, travel to and from the game would not have been an issue), 2) the Super Bowl featured two large-market teams—the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, and 3) the general lack of interest in soccer among American fans, especially in the American South where football is widely popular.<ref>https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/super-bowl-fails-to-draw-more-fans-than-mls-cup-final-at-same-stadium?fbclid=IwAR3D0_K6N4RiP649kmiqpQhcmZKu9ajxlf7URdDNQxkoxobW9fuIvGjBjOY</ref><ref>It should be noted that the MLS Cup featured a local franchise, Atlanta United FC, in the final.</ref>  The 2019 Super Bowl was even worse: the reported attendance was the '''''second-lowest''''' ever, behind only the first Super Bowl (which at that time was called the "NFL-AFL Championship Game") and notwithstanding its playing in South Florida, a popular tourist destination due to warm climate.<ref>However, it was a sellout as the venue -- Hard Rock Stadium -- was recently renovated to '''''lower''''' overall seating capacity.</ref>

The 2018 Super Bowl showed an attendance anomaly—attendance was reported at 70,081, nearly 3,000 '''''fewer''''' fans than attended the MLS Cup (Major League Soccer final) in the same stadium two months prior, notwithstanding that 1) the Super Bowl was played in Atlanta, home to the world's busiest airport (thus, travel to and from the game would not have been an issue), 2) the Super Bowl featured two large-market teams—the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, and 3) the general lack of interest in soccer among American fans, especially in the American South where football is widely popular.<ref>https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/super-bowl-fails-to-draw-more-fans-than-mls-cup-final-at-same-stadium?fbclid=IwAR3D0_K6N4RiP649kmiqpQhcmZKu9ajxlf7URdDNQxkoxobW9fuIvGjBjOY</ref><ref>It should be noted that the MLS Cup featured a local franchise, Atlanta United FC, in the final.</ref>  The 2019 Super Bowl was even worse: the reported attendance was the '''''second-lowest''''' ever, behind only the first Super Bowl (which at that time was called the "NFL-AFL Championship Game") and notwithstanding its playing in South Florida, a popular tourist destination due to warm climate.<ref>However, it was a sellout as the venue -- Hard Rock Stadium -- was recently renovated to '''''lower''''' overall seating capacity.</ref>

== Super Bowl politics ==

== Super Bowl politics ==

[[Liberals]] attempted to force relocation of the [[Super Bowl]] from [[Houston]], the 2017 edition's host city, to pressure that city to cave in to the [[homosexual agenda]]<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2015/11/lesbian-mayor-vows-to-keep-pressing-for-transgender-law/ Lesbian mayor vows to keep pressing for transgender law] at WND.com</ref> as revenge for losing to conservatives 61% to 39% in Houston's recent referendum involving Houston's [[leftism|leftist]], [[feminism|feminist]] and openly lesbian then-mayor [[Annice Parker|Annise Parker]]'s attempt to force the city to cater to the [[gender confusion|gender-confused]] by allowing them to use restrooms of the opposite gender (i.e., "transgender" men insisting on using women's restrooms).<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2015/11/houston-voters-reject-lesbian-mayors-transgender-agenda/ Houston voters reject lesbian mayor's LGBT agenda] at WND.com</ref>

[[Liberals]] attempted to force the relocation of the [[Super Bowl]] from [[Houston]], the 2017 edition's host city, to pressure that city to cave in to the [[homosexual agenda]]<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2015/11/lesbian-mayor-vows-to-keep-pressing-for-transgender-law/ Lesbian mayor vows to keep pressing for transgender law] at WND.com</ref> as revenge for losing to conservatives 61% to 39% in Houston's recent referendum involving Houston's [[leftism|leftist]], [[feminism|feminist]] and openly lesbian then-mayor [[Annice Parker|Annise Parker]]'s attempt to force the city to cater to the [[gender confusion|gender-confused]] by allowing them to use restrooms of the opposite gender (i.e., "transgender" men insisting on using women's restrooms).<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2015/11/houston-voters-reject-lesbian-mayors-transgender-agenda/ Houston voters reject lesbian mayor's LGBT agenda] at WND.com</ref>

== Objectionable Super Bowl shows ==

== Objectionable Super Bowl shows ==

'''''The Eagles then replaced the more-qualified Tebow on the roster with an undrafted QB named Stephen Morris, who had never played a single regular season NFL game, and who threw 30 interceptions in college'''''.  One sports analyst wrote about the Eagles' coach in making this decision:  "what he sees in Morris -- that nobody else does -- is perplexing.  An executive in personnel for another NFC team was texted, 'Tell me what you know about Stephen Morris.' His response was two words: 'He's bad.'"<ref>http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2015/09/what_you_need_to_know_about_eagles_qb_stephen_morr.html</ref>

'''''The Eagles then replaced the more-qualified Tebow on the roster with an undrafted QB named Stephen Morris, who had never played a single regular season NFL game, and who threw 30 interceptions in college'''''.  One sports analyst wrote about the Eagles' coach in making this decision:  "what he sees in Morris -- that nobody else does -- is perplexing.  An executive in personnel for another NFC team was texted, 'Tell me what you know about Stephen Morris.' His response was two words: 'He's bad.'"<ref>http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2015/09/what_you_need_to_know_about_eagles_qb_stephen_morr.html</ref>

Further proof that Tebow should be in the NFL is the fact that the Eagles traded a quarterback who did not play as well as Tebow in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.  Thus Tebow is more valuable than that.<ref name="Bleacher Rpt"/>  But the Eagles cut Tebow outright without receiving anything. Apparently no other team in the NFL will play Tebow, and the only plausible explanation is that the NFL is appeasing the pro-[[homosexual]] media by refusing to allow the [[Bible]]-quoting Tebow to play. Despite not having Tebow on the team in 2018, the Eagles won their first Super Bowl with Nick Foles, another [[Christian]] and a [[Liberty University]] online student majoring in theology, as quarterback.

Further proof that Tebow should be in the NFL is the fact that the Eagles traded a quarterback who did not play as well as Tebow in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.  Thus Tebow is more valuable than that.<ref name="Bleacher Rpt"/>  But the Eagles cut Tebow outright without receiving anything. Apparently no other team in the NFL will play Tebow, and the only plausible explanation is that the NFL is appeasing the pro-[[homosexual]] media by refusing to allow the [[Bible]]-quoting Tebow to play. Despite not having Tebow on the team in 2018, the Eagles won their first Super Bowl with Nick Foles, another [[Christian]] and a [[Liberty University]] online student majoring in theology, as the quarterback.

Tebow was immensely popular with fans, who chanted "Tebow! Tebow!" when he entered the first pre-season game in 2015 in the 3rd quarter. He proceeded to score a touchdown as the Eagles beat the Colts 36-10,<ref>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FBN_COLTS_EAGLES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-08-16-17-41-27</ref> and played well in his other games.

Tebow was immensely popular with fans, who chanted "Tebow! Tebow!" when he entered the first pre-season game in 2015 in the 3rd quarter. He proceeded to score a touchdown as the Eagles beat the Colts 36-10,<ref>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FBN_COLTS_EAGLES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-08-16-17-41-27</ref> and played well in his other games.

Every Tim Tebow jersey enters in the NFLshop's list of best-selling jerseys. Tebow's time with the Eagles put his number 11 jersey in 16th place, ahead of first string quarterback Tony Romo.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/07/08/tim-tebows-eagles-jersey-ranked-no-16-in-sales-for-june/ Tim Tebow’s Eagles jersey ranked No. 16 in sales for June, WaPo, July 8, 2015]</ref>

Every Tim Tebow jersey enters in the NFLshop's list of best-selling jerseys. Tebow's time with the Eagles put his number 11 jersey in 16th place, ahead of first-string quarterback Tony Romo.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/07/08/tim-tebows-eagles-jersey-ranked-no-16-in-sales-for-june/ Tim Tebow’s Eagles jersey ranked No. 16 in sales for June, WaPo, July 8, 2015]</ref>

== Military Appreciation Fraud ==

== Military Appreciation Fraud ==

== Honor Liberalism Only ==

== Honor Liberalism Only ==

After the murder of five police officers in Dallas, the Cowboys requested to honor their sacrifice with a ribbon on their uniforms. Request denied by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who thought this move would upset the liberal terrorists of the [[Black lives matter]] movement. Liberal causes such as the Planned Parenthood-aligned [[Komen]] breast cancer awareness campaign get special treatment; pink ribbons on the field, pink official penalty flags, pink socks worn by players.

After the murder of five police officers in Dallas, the Cowboys requested to honor their sacrifice with a ribbon on their uniforms. The request was denied by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who thought this move would upset the liberal terrorists of the [[Black Lives Matter]] movement. Liberal causes such as the Planned Parenthood-aligned [[Komen]] breast cancer awareness campaign get special treatment; pink ribbons on the field, pink official penalty flags, and pink socks worn by players.

The season generally begins the second week of September. Some players choose to wear cleats themed with patriotic images of [[9/11]]. League management insists that if you choose this honor you will face stiff fines for violating uniform code. The police union offered to pay the players fines.<ref>[https://www.policeone.com/police/community/articles/220218006-NFL-player-wears-9-11-cleats-police-union-offers-to-pay-fines/ NFL player wears 9/11 cleats, police union offers to pay fines, PoliceOne.com, September 12, 2016]</ref> At the very last minute, due to negative publicity, the NFL relented its decision. However, when DeSean Jackson had anti-police, black supremacy themed cleats, the NFL allowed it free of charge.<ref>http://dailysnark.com/desean-jackson-cleats/</ref>   

The season generally begins the second week of September. Some players choose to wear cleats themed with patriotic images of [[9/11]]. League management insists that if you choose this honor you will face stiff fines for violating the uniform code. The police union offered to pay the players fines.<ref>[https://www.policeone.com/police/community/articles/220218006-NFL-player-wears-9-11-cleats-police-union-offers-to-pay-fines/ NFL player wears 9/11 cleats, police union offers to pay fines, PoliceOne.com, September 12, 2016]</ref> At the very last minute, due to negative publicity, the NFL relented its decision. However, when DeSean Jackson had anti-police, black supremacy-themed cleats, the NFL allowed it free of charge.<ref>http://dailysnark.com/desean-jackson-cleats/</ref>   

Many liberals hold open contempt for their country. Colin Kaepernick blames the USA for abuse of black people by police (while ignoring that most police and law enforcement forces also employ black officers) and decides to sit during the [[National Anthem]], to wear socks at practice mocking police as "pigs", and to wear a [[Che Guevara]] shirt, creating a national firestorm. Instead of publicly admonishing his actions, the liberal NFL management decided it was acceptable free speech. That image of disrespect now becomes a negative influence on other players. Boycott the NFL would be a top trending hashtag on [[Twitter]]. Sponsors abandoned players that supported this act of disloyalty to the nation. Videos of people burning Kaepernick's jersey went viral. The police union considered boycotting their presence at stadiums. Instead of wielding their undue influence, like they do on a regular basis, and protect the image of the NFL by fining or suspending those players making the sport look bad, NFL management would issue a weak press release stating they don't agree with Kaepernick's position. Like a good liberal, Goodell praises the protest against the National Anthem and encourages activism for social change.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/09/18/roger-goodell-commissioner-national-anthem-protests/90633952/ Roger Goodell praises player demonstrations for going from 'protests to progress' USAToday, September 19, 2016]</ref> NFL ratings are at seven-year lows after two weeks into the 2016 season.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/sites/brandonkatz/2016/09/19/nfls-sunday-night-football-tumbles-hard-in-ratings-yet-again/#60d776c41ad5 ] NFL's 'Sunday Night Football' Tumbles Hard In Ratings Yet Again, Forbes, September 19, 2016</ref>

Many liberals hold open contempt for their country. Colin Kaepernick blames the USA for abuse of black people by police (while ignoring that most police and law enforcement forces also employ black officers) and decides to sit during the [[National Anthem]], to wear socks at practice mocking police as "pigs", and to wear a [[Che Guevara]] shirt, creating a national firestorm. Instead of publicly admonishing his actions, the liberal NFL management decided it was acceptable free speech. That image of disrespect now becomes a negative influence on other players. Boycott the NFL would be a top trending hashtag on [[Twitter]]. Sponsors abandoned players who supported this act of disloyalty to the nation. Videos of people burning Kaepernick's jersey went viral. The police union considered boycotting their presence at stadiums. Instead of wielding their undue influence, like they do on a regular basis, and protecting the image of the NFL by fining or suspending those players making the sport look bad, NFL management would issue a weak press release stating they don't agree with Kaepernick's position. Like a good liberal, Goodell praises the protest against the National Anthem and encourages activism for social change.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/09/18/roger-goodell-commissioner-national-anthem-protests/90633952/ Roger Goodell praises player demonstrations for going from 'protests to progress' USAToday, September 19, 2016]</ref> NFL ratings are at seven-year lows after two weeks into the 2016 season.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/sites/brandonkatz/2016/09/19/nfls-sunday-night-football-tumbles-hard-in-ratings-yet-again/#60d776c41ad5 ] NFL's 'Sunday Night Football' Tumbles Hard In Ratings Yet Again, Forbes, September 19, 2016</ref>

While overseas, NFL players stood and honored "''[[God Save the Queen]]''",<ref>[https://insider.foxnews.com/2017/09/24/nfl-players-kneel-anthem-stand-british-god-save-queen NFL in London: Ravens, Jaguars Stand for 'God Save the Queen', Kneel for 'Star-Spangled Banner'], [[Fox News]]</ref><ref>[https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017/09/unreal-nfl-players-stand-god-save-queen-kneel-us-national-anthem-london/ https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017/09/unreal-nfl-players-stand-god-save-queen-kneel-us-national-anthem-london/], [[Gateway Pundit]]</ref> even though it is Britain's fault that [[slaves]] were brought to America in the first place.  NFL players and their supporters like to proclaim that the entire episode is specifically about race.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/27/us/nfl-anthem-protest-race-trump-trnd/index.html The #TakeAKnee protests have always been about race. Period.], [[CNN]]</ref>

While overseas, NFL players stood and honored "''[[God Save the Queen]]''",<ref>[https://insider.foxnews.com/2017/09/24/nfl-players-kneel-anthem-stand-british-god-save-queen NFL in London: Ravens, Jaguars Stand for 'God Save the Queen', Kneel for 'Star-Spangled Banner'], [[Fox News]]</ref><ref>[https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017/09/unreal-nfl-players-stand-god-save-queen-kneel-us-national-anthem-london/ https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017/09/unreal-nfl-players-stand-god-save-queen-kneel-us-national-anthem-london/], [[Gateway Pundit]]</ref> even though it is Britain's fault that [[slaves]] were brought to America in the first place.  NFL players and their supporters like to proclaim that the entire episode is specifically about race.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/27/us/nfl-anthem-protest-race-trump-trnd/index.html The #TakeAKnee protests have always been about race. Period.], [[CNN]]</ref>

The NFL writers—who decide who does and does not get into the NFL Hall of Fame—have not been consistent (and some might even say, biased) -- in their voting patterns.  Some claim that players who were open about their Christian faith were excluded (and still are).

The NFL writers—who decide who does and does not get into the NFL Hall of Fame—have not been consistent (and some might even say, biased) -- in their voting patterns.  Some claim that players who were open about their Christian faith were excluded (and still are).

One example of potential bias involves wide receiver Tim Brown.  At the time of his retirement he ranked number five all-time in total yardage gained, despite playing for weak teams.  But Brown also openly preached the [[Gospel]], and even played Gospel music in the weight room.  He was kept out of the NFL Hall of Fame for his first five years of eligibility, and was not inducted until 2015.<ref>http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/159445/is-this-the-year-tim-brown-hears-from-the-hof</ref>

One example of potential bias involves wide receiver Tim Brown.  At the time of his retirement, he ranked number five all-time in total yardage gained, despite playing for weak teams.  But Brown also openly preached the [[Gospel]], and even played Gospel music in the weight room.  He was kept out of the NFL Hall of Fame for his first five years of eligibility, and was not inducted until 2015.<ref>http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/159445/is-this-the-year-tim-brown-hears-from-the-hof</ref>

Another example involves outspoken Christian, Herschel Walker, who said, "We have the DNA of our Lord [[Jesus Christ]]."<ref>http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/herschel_walker.html#udJFdQwHUCqBX1Ls.99</ref>  The NFL refused to allow him to play in the NFL when he had one year of eligibility left in college, despite that he was clearly able to play.  Walker became the leading star of a rival league (the USFL) until it folded, and was the centerpiece of a trade that allowed the NFL's marquee franchise—the Dallas Cowboys—to rebuild and win three Super Bowls in the early 1990s.  Yet despite his accomplishments, and his single-handedly causing the NFL to change its draft eligibility rules,<ref>The NFL now allows players to declare for the NFL draft after being out of high school for three years.</ref> Walker was never inducted during his eligibility period.

Another example involves outspoken Christian, Herschel Walker, who said, "We have the DNA of our Lord [[Jesus Christ]]."<ref>http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/herschel_walker.html#udJFdQwHUCqBX1Ls.99</ref>  The NFL refused to allow him to play in the NFL when he had one year of eligibility left in college, despite that he was clearly able to play.  Walker became the leading star of a rival league (the USFL) until it folded, and was the centerpiece of a trade that allowed the NFL's marquee franchise—the Dallas Cowboys—to rebuild and win three Super Bowls in the early 1990s.  Yet despite his accomplishments, and his single-handedly causing the NFL to change its draft eligibility rules,<ref>The NFL now allows players to declare for the NFL draft after being out of high school for three years.</ref> Walker was never inducted during his eligibility period.