Don’t you just love instant replay? The NFL has decided to reverse its previous ruling and allow religious organizations to hold SuperBowl parties “regardless of size.” Previously, the only exception had been for sports bars.

The league has said that organizations that host public viewings of its games on television screens larger than 55 inches violate its copyright. Sports bars are exempted. Last year, the league sent letters to two churches advising them of the policy.

In response, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) proposed legislation that would allow houses of worship to show football games on big-screen televisions and raised the issue with Goodell at a meeting last week. Other congressional representatives threatened similar bills.

In its letter, the NFL said it would not object to big-screen viewings in the churches as long as the showings are free and are on premises that the church uses on a “routine and customary” basis.

You can’t see me right now, but I just spiked the ball and now I’m pointing at the sky.

NFL Reverses Call On Church Parties [Washington Post] (Thanks, Jim!)
(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

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