Consumption of bread and wine to increase at Super Bowl parties

Posted by Patrick Imig, February 22, 2008

Thanks to Senator Orrin Hatch and some protesters, the NFL will allow churches to host Super Bowl parties with screens in excess of 55 inches. Prior to the decision, the league actually maintained the stance that showing the Super Bowl on a screen larger than 55 inches represents copyright infringement.

The conflict flared up last February when the league ordered Fall Creek Baptist Church in Indianapolis to cancel plans to show the game on a 12-foot-wide screen.

A year later and a few days before Super Bowl XLII, Congressman Heath Shuler (yes, that Heath Shuler) sent a letter to Roger Goodell stating that his league is full of poo-poo. That coupled with the efforts of Hatch forced the NFL's hand to change from "Dirty Commie League" to fan-friendly.

Interestingly, the NFL used to base their copyright laws on the phrase "Super Bowl" and on claims that they lose money when people attend parties at churches. Yes, really...

The restrictions are based on federal copyright laws that give owners protection. At stake is an estimated $200 million in Super Bowl ad revenue. The NFL says restrictions against big screens at public parties protect the game's TV ratings, which translate into Super Bowl advertising rates of $2.7 million for a 30-second commercial. ... Using the phrase Super Bowl on church fliers or Web sites implies an NFL affiliation, say league lawyers. That's trouble if people are led to believe that the neighborhood church is an NFL sponsor, for example, or that the league endorses the Immaculate Conception.

The fallacy in all of that is that before the NFL lifted it's ban on the churches, they had no problem with sports bars televising the Super Bowl on huge TV screens. I guess the league wasn't afraid of the notion that the league endorses chicken wings and bacon cheeseburgers.

Also, why didn't the league ever clamp down on players like Kurt Warner, who openly display and talk about their faith and beliefs in and out of the season? They weren't worried Warner could be viewed as an NFL spokesman? (Someone is whispering "because of money" in my ear).

So friends, next year when you're at your Super Bowl party, find solace in the fact that the NFL now has no right to break down your door and mace everyone at your party. Your fears can go away.

Aw, Christ. I just wrote the phrase "Super Bowl" 6 times. I bet the league sues me. They don't want people to think the NFL endorses mustaches, mullets and general stupidity and absurdity.

Read More: JSF Weekly

Mr. Irrelevant, February 25, 2008 10:02 AM

We are not just pissed about one aspect of this site we are pissed about the main aspect of thsi site. We are grateful that this site gets updated everyday even if they are half assed pieces like this very one. But enough is enough. We mean no disrespect. These assholes should be flattered that they've created the internet's version of crack. Were phening goddam it phening.

ChiTown Steve, February 25, 2008 10:02 AM

P.S. Give me some more Worthless Card Collection updates assholes.

ChiTown Steve, February 25, 2008 10:02 AM

REALLY?? Your getting pissed about one aspect of a website that has numerous updates every day? Compared to most of the other bull shit that is similar to this site? REALLY???

MEDIASPACE, February 25, 2008 09:02 AM

You guys get all of that? 3 of 'em. Mr. Irrelevant, thank you again for helping me champion this cause.

Mr Irrelevant, February 25, 2008 09:02 AM

this used to be a peaceful Mr Irrelevant 2 months ago when a mediaspace was past due, now i'm an angry Mr Irrelevant i've waited too long. I refuse to be another douche on this site that just waits and waits while you fucks on this site sip pina coladas and keep throwing half-assed Undertaker stories. FUCK THAT its time for a fucking new mediaspace as a matter of fact its time for 3 mediaspaces

TF, February 25, 2008 04:02 AM

Whew. That's good to know.

Patrick, February 25, 2008 03:02 AM

Not the same Mr. Irrelevant.

TF, February 25, 2008 03:02 AM

Is this the same Mr. Irrelevant as the Mottram brothers' site. I hope not because I thought they were respectable. Disappointing...

MEDIASPACE, February 25, 2008 03:02 AM

Good morning guys. Have a good weekend? Nice to hear from you again Mr. Irrelevant.PS-I'm not that angry. I'm conducting a peaceful protest.

JB, February 24, 2008 01:02 PM

And all the anger concentrated into two commenters. JSF used to be such a peaceful place.

Jim Lindeman, February 24, 2008 08:02 AM

So much anger here.

DFA, February 23, 2008 04:02 PM

Such angst. Such anger. Quick question, though: does Simmons' "blog" count in the dickhead realm? Or is he in the douchebag area? I vote both. JSF, the league also might not want the sterling internet reputations of Simmons and the man they call The Bermanator to leak out.

Mr. Irrelevant , February 23, 2008 09:02 AM

Hey just another thought. the mediaspace was what got me hooked to this site. Maybe if you douchebags did them everyweek or everyday more people would be on this site and you wouldnt have to work. I dont know how you let all these other dickheaded blogs beat you when the mediaspace is hands down the funniest fucking thing on the web for sports fans

Mr. Irrelevant, February 23, 2008 08:02 AM

Hey just noticed this article was posted yesterday, but I didnt see it til today. I was on here a few times yesterday.

Mr. Irrelevant, February 23, 2008 08:02 AM

Fuck that shit. Im tired of all these excuses goddamit we want some fuckin mediaspaces now. I dont want to hear that bullshit most of us loyal readers have jobs and families that doesnt stop us from checking out your site or complaining for mediaspaces. MEDIASPACE has neglected his family for the last 3 weeks jusrt refreshing his computer for more mediaspaces. Were ready to fucking cyber riot if we dont get them soon.

MEDIASPACE, February 22, 2008 10:02 AM

Come work for me. All I do is refresh this screen seeing if anyone has posted new comments.

Patrick, February 22, 2008 10:02 AM

But there will be a day, MEDIASPACE, where JSF will be our one and ultimate living. Until then, we will keep plugging away until we make it or the others get divorced/fired. I kid, I kid.

Patrick, February 22, 2008 10:02 AM

If I was a reader on here for the first time, I'd be really skeptical of just what in the hell is going on here.

MEDIASPACE, February 22, 2008 09:02 AM

I take that back, but Im glad I have your attention.

MEDIASPACE, February 22, 2008 09:02 AM

Maybe they just look that funny compared to the rest of this crap.

Patrick, February 22, 2008 09:02 AM

Translation: 3 out of the 4 writers on this site have full time jobs and are married.

JB, February 22, 2008 08:02 AM

MEDIASPACE, we know you want more Media Spaces. With a completely new site design and some other behind the scenes stuff that no one wants to hear about, it isn't as easy as just posting a pic of Ed Hochuli and a few Tony Romo jokes. I'm geniunely glad that you're so passionate about it. But at the same time, we're freaking working on it. We have no intentions on stopping the MediaSpaces, as we see it as a big part of the site. Although at this point, I'm pretty sure we may be talking them up a bit. They're not **that** funny.

Mark D, February 22, 2008 06:02 AM

So what's the "Official Communal Wine" of the NFL? Also If they didn't want us to watch it at church, then why the bloody hell do they play the game on the sabbath? F--ktards!

bk, February 22, 2008 04:02 AM

The NFL only approves viewing the Super Bowl on a 55-inch screen if you can drive home drunk afterwards.

MEDIASPACE, February 22, 2008 04:02 AM

Apparently you still don't get it. We want another MEDIASPACE. We don't want to email you guys and get an email back with a load of crap promising one very soon. If you aren't going to make any more, or just going to do one a year, just say it. Trust me when I say this, wrestling stories didn't put you on the map. Mr. Irrelevant back me up here.

Patrick, February 22, 2008 04:02 AM

While funny at first, MEDIASPACE is beginning to stagnate. Yeah, I said it. Say something. Go ahead! I'm not looking. Blindside me!

MEDIASPACE, February 22, 2008 03:02 AM

I would like to be endorsed by JSF.