IMO - The NFL is in a world of hurt

[rufus dog]

This coming from a liberal guy who loves football.

Over the past five years I have noticed that my NFL viewing has dropped off. Understandable at first, I always liked college more than the pro game. I live on the "liberal" West Coast, The OC to be specific, and I always was amazed on how the NFL could thrive without a team in the LA market.

The arrogance of the owners, and the League in ignoring the second largest market always intrigued me. And there never seemed to be any blow back. Now I think the arrogance is catching up with the League.

If your plan is to basically tell a major market to fuck off, because we have something you want, then you have business case. If you tell a major market to fuck off while the other markets question why are we subsiding this shit, then you have an issue.

Rather than the LA market being used as a leverage for other cities, we are approaching a point where the other cities will question why are concessions being granted to the NFL.

[badtoworse]

1. So why did the Rams and the Raiders leave?

I'm guessing it came down to money; more specifically, not making it. I was surprised when they left, but I assume there was a good business case behind the decision.

[rufus dog]

2. The region refused to give in to the demands

They wanted new stadiums, public concessions. They were basically told to fuck off. Other cities can be leveraged by the need to be a "major league" city.

As more cities take the "fuck off" attitude the NFL will become further weakened.

Currently the NFL is playing right in to the hands to those who realize the NFL delivers jack shit to the said city.

[davidpdx]

3. I agree with you about the arrogance of the owners and the league

The current spat of abuse cases by football players is giving them some very bad press.

It's been almost 20 years since LA had a team hasn't it? They lost both the Rams and Raiders in the 80's.

Personally I think one NFL team would be enough for LA, there is no reason for two as they had in the past. LA has so many sports teams already. California has three NFL teams and would have four if one other moved in from outside the state.

The leverage issue is one that would go away if LA finally got a team. The teams and the league need to be responsible for building stadiums rather than relying on public financing of part or all of it. I believe Levi Stadium was funded partially through public financing (note I'm both a Niner and Raider fan).

Portland one of the other larger markets with very few professional teams (Portland Trail Blazers and Portland Timbers). I'd like to see Portland get an NFL team someday.