Tuesday Night Football

The wintry weather the past few days has been a hassle for a lot of people across the northeast. Roads became impassable, flights were canceled leaving thousands stranded, and football was postponed in Philadelphia.

The announcement was made late Sunday morning that the Eagles vs. Vikings game was going to be postponed due to the expected snow fall that evening. NFL officials were afraid that with a huge snowfall, roads wouldn't be safe, and fans would be stuck at the stadium.

People around the country have been complaining that the NFL is becoming weak. Fans of the NFL believe that this is the one sport that should be played regardless of the weather, that it is a tough man's game. One person that has been very vocal on this position is Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. Rendell has been extremely outspoken about the NFL moving the game to Tuesday night, and continued his rant this morning on ESPN First Take. He has even gone as far as calling American's a bunch of "wussies".

Is this for real?

First off, I do realize the NFL plays in all weather. But let's be realistic here, when they are expecting a blizzard with anywhere from 1-2 feet of snow, is there a need to risk the safety of thousands of people? Sure many may have not gone to the game anyway, but why take the chance? As it turns out there wasn't as much snow as predicted in the Philadelphia area, but without knowing that prior it makes no difference.

What annoys me the most with this story is that Governor Ed Rendell believes this is a matter he needs to go public with. As an elected official, it is his responsibility to do what is best for the people. Included in that should be doing everything possible to ensure their safety. With an expected blizzard, shouldn't it make sense to close down the roads and make sure people are not traveling.

Rendell's argument this morning on ESPN First Take was that that the decision was made too early. He believes that the game could have been called around 5pm (only two hours prior to the game). To Rendell, this would be more appropriate then what MLB does - where they sometimes make a decision at game time or even mid-game. Although this is true, it is a very different comparison. When they postpone baseball games, as much of a hassle as it is, it is rain that forces the decision. Rain is more manageable then snow, especially during a blizzard when snowfall and wind can lead to zero visibility. That being said, fans generally tailgate before a football game, and would have already shown up prior to 2 hours before - I believe they wanted a decision prior to people showing up.

I digress.

The players on the Eagles and Vikings may not be excited about waiting to play, fans preparing to brave the weather may have been let down, and others may just be upset that Sunday tradition has been ruined for this game. But it is just that, a game. A game that is not worth risking the safety of the fans, stadium employees, or even the teams playing.

I support the decision of the NFL, and appreciate that they care not only about their players but the fans that support them as well.

For those that argue the NFL and/or America have become "wussies", tell that to the players suffering from concussions. Maybe people are becoming soft, or maybe it's called becoming smarter?

Lastly to Governor Rendell, I cannot comment on your performance as a politician, but please get your priorities straight. The postponement of a football game should not be high on your list. In fact, if you're judging the NFL on their decision, maybe you should take a look at the decisions of your peers and judge them.