Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Congress and Football

 

By John R. Byrne

Thanksgiving is one of the best times to watch football. And we have a Dolphins game on Black Friday. If you're racking your brain trying to remember the last time the NFL played on a Friday, there's a reason for that. They don't do it often. And it's because of a law! From the Herald:

"The NFL traditionally doesn’t play Friday games in part because of Congress’ Sports Broadcasting Act. A 1966 amendment withdrew antitrust immunity for any pro football telecast if a high school or college football game is played within 75 miles of the station airing the NFL game."

Since 1978, the NFL has played only eight Friday games. So, enjoy this rare opportunity for Friday NFL football with your home team.



3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have not read the law but I think the definition of "broadcast"would not include Amazon Prime which is where the Jets/Dolphins game is being aired. There is something else a bit more nefarious about this law. Remember, LBJ was still president and riding high in '66. He owned TV stations in Texas or had some type of business relationship with them. College football in Texas back then was more popular than God. LBJ, who makes Biden look like a rank amateur in the corruption category, probably pushed this law to line his own pockets.

Rumpole said...

I like Miami. Lay the points. The Jets are in a tailspin.
Congress may make the law, but Amazon has the gold and don't forget the real golden rule.

Anonymous said...

Judge Altman again issuing political statements now in the Miami Herald. Maybe he should resign and run for office. He appears to feel constraint in his current role.