The advocates of this silly premise -- the press and activists -- are guilty of the foul of "unnecessary roughness." The idea that a third party entities with real or legacy connection to an issue somehow bears responsibility is ridiculous. Let's put the blame where it belongs -- with the failure of advocates to make a convincing case to the voters. Don't take out your frustration on unrelated people and organizations.
3
I suspect the activists know there is no way that the Super Bowl's getting moved, and they are hoping the NFL and NCAA can be pressured into a policy that men can freely enter the ladies' room at their events.
1
What a disgusting and shameful turn of events (or lack thereof). The NFL and NCAA had an opportunity to use their considerable influence for good, and once again dropped the ball. As other commenters have noted, Goodell is a slave and puppet of the team owners, with no discernible power of his own without the tacit blessings of the masters. Communities that look to take us backward instead of forward, and refuse acceptance of all types, must be taught hard lessons about perpetuating their hatred, and the possible repercussions from doing so. Yes, you absolutely have a right to free speech and your own opinion, but NOT freedom from the consequences of your ignorance.
3
The immediate question, given the content and focus of the debate over the ordinance, is how the NFL and NCAA will treat transgendered (particularly, male to female) fans who attend the Super Bowl or March Madness when they need to use the bathroom. I assume that it isn't a problem for those organizations since they say they oppose discrimination. And I'm anticipating that the city will not be assigning bathroom police to screen people before they enter.
1
Oh, I'm sure the ACLU will sue on behalf of someone or other with a ticket. And someone obviously a male with a dress will stroll into the ladies', camera crew and Mr. Belson in tow.
2
The way the New York Times is carrying on, you would think the voters of Houston just repealed the Civil Rights Act. This type of reporting [sic] is very Foxian.
6
Seriously? They just repealed something that moves the city and us as a nation backwards, and has the potential to snowball in other like-minded areas, taking away rights instead of granting and solidifying them. Exactly what type of situation would you deem worthy of the Times' "carrying on"? This is as important as any other social issue of our time. Also, one generally doesn't use [sic] in his/her own writing; quotation marks would have made more sense.
2
@ gary:
The vast majority of Americans do not think it is appropriate for men to enter women's restrooms or locker rooms, for reasons that should not need to be explained to sensible adults.
In most sections of this country, men who enter women's restrooms are subject to arrest, and quite possibly to sex offender charges, as they should be. You might want to re-evaluate what you consider to be appropriate public behavior. Keep in mind that biological males will NEVER be equivalent to biological females, no matter how much they "identify" as girls.
The vast majority of Americans do not think it is appropriate for men to enter women's restrooms or locker rooms, for reasons that should not need to be explained to sensible adults.
In most sections of this country, men who enter women's restrooms are subject to arrest, and quite possibly to sex offender charges, as they should be. You might want to re-evaluate what you consider to be appropriate public behavior. Keep in mind that biological males will NEVER be equivalent to biological females, no matter how much they "identify" as girls.
1
Separate and apart from living in Houston, consider the 'societal impact' of the insensitivity shown when comparing a city ordinance with a professional football team name, beloved by fans throughout the country, that is home of our nation's capital?
Let's SHOOT some hoops. Pre-1997, the Washington Wizards were the Washington Bullets.
In 1995, owner Abe Pollin announced he was changing the team's name because Bullets had acquired violent overtones that had made him increasingly uncomfortable over the years, particularly given the high homicide and crime rate in the early 1990s in Washington, D.C. It was widely believed to also be related to the assassination of Pollin's longtime friend, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. (wiki)
Ideological/Societal attitudes change over time. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin each have Democratic mayors yet, each city is VERY different from the other on ideological/societal matters - Go figure.
Let's SHOOT some hoops. Pre-1997, the Washington Wizards were the Washington Bullets.
In 1995, owner Abe Pollin announced he was changing the team's name because Bullets had acquired violent overtones that had made him increasingly uncomfortable over the years, particularly given the high homicide and crime rate in the early 1990s in Washington, D.C. It was widely believed to also be related to the assassination of Pollin's longtime friend, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. (wiki)
Ideological/Societal attitudes change over time. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin each have Democratic mayors yet, each city is VERY different from the other on ideological/societal matters - Go figure.
I don't understand why people are reacting as if all of a sudden Huston had become a dangerous place. It is the same!
I had to laugh at Brian McCarthy's statement. It reminds me of what the U.S. Olympic Committee said in 1936 when groups called for boycotting the Berlin Olympics because of the Nazi race laws. It, too, assured that all would feel welcome and the Nazis did briefly suspend outward displays of antisemitism but as soon as the Olympics were over went right back to spewing their venom.
And with regard to sports staying out, it's interested that a former baseball player, Lance Berkman, was a prominent face in advertisements to overturn the bill. Apparently he didn't think athletes should stay out of politics.
And with regard to sports staying out, it's interested that a former baseball player, Lance Berkman, was a prominent face in advertisements to overturn the bill. Apparently he didn't think athletes should stay out of politics.
1
The key word there is "former".
It is quite obvious that the rejection of the LBGT ordinance by Houston voters will only become an issue if the NYT and other liberal media outlets make it one. This article is more of an attempt to drum up and inflame a controversy than to report on one. As your article concedes, as of this moment, few sports fans would have any hesitancy whatsoever about attending a sporting event in Houston.
Many of us turn to sports as a needed respite from the incessant culture wars. Sport is one of the last places in America where participation and results are based upon merit, outcomes are reasonably trustworthy, and people actually get replaced for non-performance. It is a refreshing counterpoint the rest of American life. We would love for the cultural warriors to play out their campaigns elsewhere.
When you have your next meeting to understand why more and more readers are getting their news from other sources, perhaps you might consider the very small amount of actual news you convey relative to the portion of the paper devoted to your opinions, campaigns and crusades.
Many of us turn to sports as a needed respite from the incessant culture wars. Sport is one of the last places in America where participation and results are based upon merit, outcomes are reasonably trustworthy, and people actually get replaced for non-performance. It is a refreshing counterpoint the rest of American life. We would love for the cultural warriors to play out their campaigns elsewhere.
When you have your next meeting to understand why more and more readers are getting their news from other sources, perhaps you might consider the very small amount of actual news you convey relative to the portion of the paper devoted to your opinions, campaigns and crusades.
6
“I can’t judge what the N.F.L.’s motive is in this,” Lapchick said. But there “is an opportunity to get this right.”
The NFL's ( read Goodell's ) motive is money. That is the overriding ethic that they adhere to.
They have become all powerful and if they want to move a game two years out they can. They have the ability to do it, but do not want to use some of the potential profits to make it happen.
They did nothing before the vote. As in Arizona they should have commented on the potential outcome. It may have made a difference.
But they may have also compromised their greed.
Sponsors and partners should think long and hard as to the consequences.
The NFL's ( read Goodell's ) motive is money. That is the overriding ethic that they adhere to.
They have become all powerful and if they want to move a game two years out they can. They have the ability to do it, but do not want to use some of the potential profits to make it happen.
They did nothing before the vote. As in Arizona they should have commented on the potential outcome. It may have made a difference.
But they may have also compromised their greed.
Sponsors and partners should think long and hard as to the consequences.
2
Maybe the NFL isn't as anti-woman as the New York Times.
That's pretty sad.
That's pretty sad.
2
Typically American: Money language first.
2
The most expedient thing for the NY Times to do is write up all the laws that every city & state needs to enact. Any deviation from those would be deemed unacceptable in civilized society.
And those communities that did not comply would be cast out & forever shunned. Communication & transportation would be cut off to those areas. So that the rest of the secular righteous could live out our lives in peace & self satisfaction.
And those communities that did not comply would be cast out & forever shunned. Communication & transportation would be cut off to those areas. So that the rest of the secular righteous could live out our lives in peace & self satisfaction.
4
My best friend lives in Houston and she has siblings who are members of the LGBT community. I was surprised to find out she voted against Hero. It was her brother, a transgender, who swayed her vote and he did so knowingly. He, himself, did not support Hero. Unfortunately, members of their family are behaving hatefully, rather than agreeing to disagree because it was their choice. Ironically the hate mongers of their family are not members of LGBT. They are supporters or activists. Often it is the behavior of those outside of the community who tend to be so hateful that they alienate anyone with an opposing viewpoint. Contrary to very popular belief, conservative and moderate right winged support was necessary to mainstream gay rights and shift cultural thinking. Conservative lawyers were involved in the California ban. Liberals, especially non-LGBT, need to think about the words they "fling" at the others before you dance the dance. You may need them someday and vice-versa. I love my friend and her family. I don't live in Houston TX anymore and NYC doesn't really have a big deal with public facilities, actually they're hard to find and many are unisex, so many of us may resort to "picking a tree" and last time I checked the tree doesn't mind. I'm trying to get my friend to post why she didn't vote in support of HERO. She has an interesting point of view and she apparently is not alone.
3
This is too nuanced for the Times. They are too busy painting this issue in the most bullying, unthinking, unfeeling, insensitive manner possible. It'a a shame because you make some really thoughtful points.
This is a non-issue... no one cares except gays and liberals. The people in Houston have spoken and the rest of us agree with them. Move on... nothing to see.
1
I have no problem with this.
1
The fact that people still think that a non-discrimination ordinance legalizes rape and assault in a restroom proves how stupid and prejudiced many Americans are. Not to mention that many major cities in the U.S. have a law like this, and very few, if any, instances of this occur. As for Houston, while they have elected a lesbian mayor thrice, the turnout to vote on the ordinance was the highest since 2003, proving that more people are driven to vote. In Canada, we legalized gay marriage early compared to a majority of the world (with an already less discriminatory attitude towards the gay community), but it's not like we became the rape and violence capital of the world. We only became a better country because of it.
And you think that people in the LGBT community do not face harsh prejudice? Well, they do, to the point that they have thoughts of suicide and numerous mental health problems due to being discriminated against in employment and public accommodation, in addition to the crude jokes and crass comments made against the LGBT community. People complain about the "gay mafia" or "gay agenda." Well, guess what? Many countries (in the Western world) grant gay rights, and it is less controversial in other nations, even in Ireland, where there is a huge Catholic population.
Maybe Americans should learn and stop being condescending and insular towards other cultures and other nations. They can always make their nation better and more respected; the world is watching.
And you think that people in the LGBT community do not face harsh prejudice? Well, they do, to the point that they have thoughts of suicide and numerous mental health problems due to being discriminated against in employment and public accommodation, in addition to the crude jokes and crass comments made against the LGBT community. People complain about the "gay mafia" or "gay agenda." Well, guess what? Many countries (in the Western world) grant gay rights, and it is less controversial in other nations, even in Ireland, where there is a huge Catholic population.
Maybe Americans should learn and stop being condescending and insular towards other cultures and other nations. They can always make their nation better and more respected; the world is watching.
5
The fact that it takes you three paragraphs to argue your position is very telling. When one side rambles on and the other doesn't have to, it is pretty clear who wins.
1
Rambling, eh? So I guess you just want soundbites for arguments rather than an opinion. At least I am not resorting to sensationalism, like a good amount of Western society. Besides, how else should I respond if the only thing that people could do is jab their thumb at "whining liberals" and their "agenda"? I hope that you do not have any discriminatory thoughts towards your neighbour, which is unfortunately a pervasive sentiment centred in the American South. Oh, and "liberal" comes from "liberty," just so you know. ;) Not to mention the concept of "tyranny of the majority" and "unalienable rights."
2
So basically, the NFL is only against discrimination if it's easy for them. Good to know...
That's just what I needed, a funny joke, a stand up comedian telling a tall one with a straight face: "Brian McCarthy, a league spokesman, said in a statement Wednesday. 'Our policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness, and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard.' ”
N.F.L. policies emphasize exactly one thing: money. If people do not like the way things are playing out, the thing to do is to organize very public boycotts of any company that plans to advertise at the Superbowl this year. If that is done effectively, TV will put sufficient pressure on the N.F.L. to cause a case of sudden enlightenment, an economic epiphany so to speak.
N.F.L. policies emphasize exactly one thing: money. If people do not like the way things are playing out, the thing to do is to organize very public boycotts of any company that plans to advertise at the Superbowl this year. If that is done effectively, TV will put sufficient pressure on the N.F.L. to cause a case of sudden enlightenment, an economic epiphany so to speak.
1
I'd like to see the players take a stand here against discrimination. Their voices would make a difference. They have power - it could be truly uplifting. Love in the face of fear.
Why does Roger Goodell still have his job?
1
Let's consider one very obvious point - perhaps someone else made the same point as I only read about 20 - that is relevant to this conversation. Both the NFL and the NCAA Men's players are predominately African-American. If it were the case that these men, their children and their extended families no longer faced racial discrimination, I would say the ordinance would lack significant relevance. Perhaps a little coarse on my part, but if it were the PGA men's tour (largely white, male and privileged, Tiger notwithstanding), perhaps the ordinance's passing would not be so relevant. But I don't know how the stars - the less well paid players likely do not have a "safe voice" to raise - in either of these leagues cannot be deeply troubled by being welcomed to "entertain," but the city repealed their legal protection against discrimination once they leave the stage. Houston has stated very clearly how it values these men in their private lives.
1
You really know nothing about this issue. You think the black community is pro-men in the women's room? Do you even know any black people?
3
The main reason the HERO act was overturned yesterday was that the Democrats did not show up. It was right-wing conservatives who led the 'drumbeat of intolerance' against the proposition. One could argue, as some on this blog are doing, that it's unfair to punish the rest of the city because of the bigotry and ignorance of a small proportion of the population.
But, unfortunately, that's how our democracy works. If the Democrats didn't show up (and I'm sure they would have passed the HERO act had they done so), they have to live by the consequences of their actions. The city is now controlled by conservative Republicans; they won many city council seats, too, and can block any liberal proposition on the council. Further, the owner of the Texans, Bob McNair, is very conservative and is one of the biggest contributors in the Republican primaries. This year alone, he has contributed $500,000 to four Republican candidates - Cruz, Scott Walker, Graham, and Bush. He was also the biggest lobbyist for getting the NFL to award the Super Bowl to Houston. In the campaign, I didn't see him come out in favor of the HERO proposition.
So, I personally hope the NFL withdraws the Super Bowl from Houston. It will send a message to the conservative backers that they need to be more tolerant in future. The NFL should not support a city that openly discriminates against any group. That's not how our society works and they need to hear that message clearly.
But, unfortunately, that's how our democracy works. If the Democrats didn't show up (and I'm sure they would have passed the HERO act had they done so), they have to live by the consequences of their actions. The city is now controlled by conservative Republicans; they won many city council seats, too, and can block any liberal proposition on the council. Further, the owner of the Texans, Bob McNair, is very conservative and is one of the biggest contributors in the Republican primaries. This year alone, he has contributed $500,000 to four Republican candidates - Cruz, Scott Walker, Graham, and Bush. He was also the biggest lobbyist for getting the NFL to award the Super Bowl to Houston. In the campaign, I didn't see him come out in favor of the HERO proposition.
So, I personally hope the NFL withdraws the Super Bowl from Houston. It will send a message to the conservative backers that they need to be more tolerant in future. The NFL should not support a city that openly discriminates against any group. That's not how our society works and they need to hear that message clearly.
There certainly was a poor turnout on Tuesday, but everything I have seen indicates that a large proportion of the liberals in Houston were appalled by this ordinance. The campaign against the ordinance may indeed have been largely supported by conservatives, but this wasn't viewed as an entirely partisan choice. It was more common sense vs. anarchy.
3
If they do not want "men in women's restrooms," all they need to do is tell the mayor to revise the ordinance. If not, then they should rally for a "fix" rather than repeal the whole thing and throw many people under the bus. It's not that hard. After all, it's pretty satisfactory for the people of Indiana to fix their religious freedom bill to reduce the amount of discrimination.
It would be economic suicide for the NFL to pull the Super Bowl from Houston, and here's why (it's a matter of very simple business logic):
If cities know that winning a bid to host the Super Bowl will put them at the political mercy of every pressure group in the land, with no assurance that they'll actually host the Super Bowl even after spending all the money necessary to prep to host, then the expected value of a winning bid to host the Super Bowl will be far less. This means that host cities will not be willing to bid as much.
Thus, pulling out of Houston is guaranteed to cost the NFL significantly in one of its largest going-forward revenue streams.
The NFL is not stupid enough to damage its own economic value this much.
If cities know that winning a bid to host the Super Bowl will put them at the political mercy of every pressure group in the land, with no assurance that they'll actually host the Super Bowl even after spending all the money necessary to prep to host, then the expected value of a winning bid to host the Super Bowl will be far less. This means that host cities will not be willing to bid as much.
Thus, pulling out of Houston is guaranteed to cost the NFL significantly in one of its largest going-forward revenue streams.
The NFL is not stupid enough to damage its own economic value this much.
3
A wise man once said tolerance is not demanding respect for ideas you agree with but demanding respect for ideas you don't agree with. So much for tolerance from the NYT and it's readers.
3
Money is money, and Texas is Texas.
10
Houston's Mayor is a 3X elected mayor and is a Lesbian. Not all Texans are boot-licking, beer-swilling imbeciles.
1
It's difficult to imagine that there are no other cities in the US capable of hosting theses events, and even more difficult to imagine them not jumping at the chance. The most likely reason for the decision would seem to be that the NFL and NCAA fear being sued for breach of contract. It's also likely that there would be some sort of attendant media circus if they were seen as deferring to the "gay" agenda, and that they`d just as soon avoid the sideshow.
4
This isn't a gay agenda. It is a trans agenda. The two are not related at all. Houston supports gay rights. They just don't support the rights of a group of males to bully women into giving up their rights.
5
The LGBT issue has reached its limit, people are fed up with the 'in your face' attitude those folks like to advocate.
27
Yeah conservative say that about evey progressive movement. Now it's Black Live Matter is somehow a hate group.
1
I'm sorry, I wasn't aware there's a limit.
What's the limit? Who set it? By what right did this omnipotent person set the limit? How do you know it's the right limit? Maybe the limit was mistakenly set too low. Maybe there shouldn't be a limit and someone just forgot to read the memo.
But we all now know the limit of your tolerance for your fellow American's rights to live peaceably and freely.
What's the limit? Who set it? By what right did this omnipotent person set the limit? How do you know it's the right limit? Maybe the limit was mistakenly set too low. Maybe there shouldn't be a limit and someone just forgot to read the memo.
But we all now know the limit of your tolerance for your fellow American's rights to live peaceably and freely.
1
Not as bad as when the Ku Klux Klan waves the Confederate flag in front of state capital buildings to protest racial integration and promote "white pride." (It's different than granting transgender people rights.) If that's not "in your face," I don't know what is.
Americans used to be full of freedom, especially with sexuality, in the mid-to-late 20th century. Now they are a bit too puritanical, setting limits on social movements. What happened?
Americans used to be full of freedom, especially with sexuality, in the mid-to-late 20th century. Now they are a bit too puritanical, setting limits on social movements. What happened?
My god, New York Times, will you ever stop trying to mislead readers about this idiotic ordinance? How many democrats, liberals, gays, lesbians, etc need to tell you that this was a STUPID ordinance that hurt women and NOT some message about discrimination?
Is this the 4th article you have had today with this incredibly misleading message? I feel like the grown ups left for vacation and your paper has been hijacked by a handful of immature nasty extremists.
Only a fool would think a city that elected a lesbian mayor 3 times was pro-discrimination. So what does that make this paper?
Is this the 4th article you have had today with this incredibly misleading message? I feel like the grown ups left for vacation and your paper has been hijacked by a handful of immature nasty extremists.
Only a fool would think a city that elected a lesbian mayor 3 times was pro-discrimination. So what does that make this paper?
49
As a New Orleanian I'd think you'd be chomping at the bit for the NFL to move the Super Bowl from Houston to New Orleans. Lord knows New Orleans is a welcoming, non-discriminatory city.
1
New Orleans is very welcoming, but it is also diverse like Houston, and you might want to be aware that the bullying women and putting their safety at risk is not something looked upon kindly by people of color. To be sure, Houston would have passed that ordinance if it didn't have the component hurting women's rights. This paper and the ordinance supporters are being mendacious when they say that this is about anything but that.
1
But New Orleans' non-discrimination ordinance protects gender identity, like HERO. And the bathroom provision in HERO was taken out before it was passed by Houston City Council, by the way.
Roger Goodell is the Walter Payton of toadies.
4
A few days ago Houston was the most diverse city on the country with a lesbian mayor. The only thing that has changed is the defeat of a bonehead initiative.
37
This article is so disingenuous it is embarrassing. The NYT doubling down on sexist ideology and printing 4-5 articles slamming Houston using lies is the worst journalism I have ever seen in a major newspaper.
They call people who disagree (aka the majority) haters and bigots, basically call us murderers who will cause others to commit suicide, then pretend to print a "debate" on a women's issue with 2 men telling women what to do.
I wish the NYT would "identify" as a decent publication again. Because I am simply horrified. Women are people too.
They call people who disagree (aka the majority) haters and bigots, basically call us murderers who will cause others to commit suicide, then pretend to print a "debate" on a women's issue with 2 men telling women what to do.
I wish the NYT would "identify" as a decent publication again. Because I am simply horrified. Women are people too.
2
The NYT and WaPo used to be nation's newspapers of record, but they both would have folded by now if not for sugar-daddy billionaires that keep them afloat.
They said they had problems because of what the news/media industry has become. I think it is because of their bad writing that has driven away so many of their reader base and ruined their brand name.
No business will stay around long if consistently produces sub-mediocre product. Written material is NYT's product, regardless of whether it uses dead trees, smart phones, or tablets as a medium, and boy has it suffered.
They said they had problems because of what the news/media industry has become. I think it is because of their bad writing that has driven away so many of their reader base and ruined their brand name.
No business will stay around long if consistently produces sub-mediocre product. Written material is NYT's product, regardless of whether it uses dead trees, smart phones, or tablets as a medium, and boy has it suffered.
1
How could anyone suggest a boycott over such a divisive issue. It is not like this vote was even close, nor was the vote to repeal discriminatory. The people of Houston simply decided that they did not see it necessary to provide special protection to certain groups. That is their prerogative. This city has a popular and out lesbian mayor. Therefore, it is hard to accuse the city of being some hotbed of intolerance. The repeal of this law did not make discrimination legal. It is hard to see why this ordinance was even necessary. There clearly is not widespread and institutionalized discrimination against religious, ethnic, and sexual minorities in Houston. There clearly is a large group of people who are afflicted with chronic outrage. Find something else to complain about, unless you live in Houston.
41
As a Canadian I am going to follow our new PM and say what I think with just a few words.....Money talks.
7
Is this opinion piece (I won't call it reporting) for real?
Does anyone at the NY Times have any understanding of how out of sync the fan base of the NFL is with this crazy PC proposition that the far left pushed in Houston?
If the NFL wanted to dump on its fan base in the most arrogant and self destructive manner it could think of, what it would do is to go out of its way to take a political stand in favor of that proposition. As stupid as Goodell might be, doing that would be grounds for a finding of dementia.
Does anyone at the NY Times have any understanding of how out of sync the fan base of the NFL is with this crazy PC proposition that the far left pushed in Houston?
If the NFL wanted to dump on its fan base in the most arrogant and self destructive manner it could think of, what it would do is to go out of its way to take a political stand in favor of that proposition. As stupid as Goodell might be, doing that would be grounds for a finding of dementia.
27
What? Did you expect that Roger The Empty Suit would take a stand on an issue that would show his courage, integrity, and sense of morality? You're going to have a long wait.
14
On the contrary, Goodell has never been good at standing up for women in the face of abusive men, so I wouldn't expect him to defend women's safe spaces from invasion by men, either. Thus, I'd expect Goodell to be quite happy to force women to shower with men. Men's needs come first!
Roger's job isn't to promote the LGBT agenda. His job is to do what is best for the NFL. If believe, as you apparently do, the lack of a response is based on Roger's sense of morality, then I have to say "Go Roger".
2
Shouldn't this article be in the Editorial section? It seems more advocacy than reporting.
29
Discerning Reader: It IS an advocacy/opinion column.
When it was on the home page, the article was not listed among it's editorial and op-ed article. It was in the section reserved for news and "news". So yes, an advocacy article was masquerading as a news article a la NYTimes.
3
It is an advocacy piece: but about transgender issues, not sports. Even the title is misleading; the author wishes the NFL were caught in a bind.
2
"As the former N.F.L. commissioner Paul Tagliabue said a quarter-century ago, 'The N.F.L. is not a political advocacy group.'" Oh, but it is:
• Air Force jets fly over Super Bowl games
• The New York Jets received $377k between 2011 and 2014 from the New Jersey Army National Guard and the DoD for event to honor military personnel during NFL games
• They worked with lawmakers in '61 to get an anti-trust exemption
• The Pentagon has paid more than $1.2 million to the Ravens since 2009, and more than $1.1 million to the Falcons since 2010.
• VA senator Warner used to serve on the board of the Red Skins
• As a business entity in a non-profit drag, it enjoys tax advantages it has lobbied hard to keep
• Owners are political: Redskins owner Snyder has given nearly $100k to GOP; Eagles owner Lurie,$20k to Democratic causes
• Only the owners of owners of the Raiders, Lions, Buccaneers and Broncos have no record of political contributions
• Average owner has paid $299k to GOP since '09
• Player Drew Brees announced he will run for office, while still an NFL player
• NFL spent $1.14mn on lobbyist in '12
• A bipartisan group, including McCain proposed to ban the DoD from spending taxpayer money to honor military personnel during NFL games.
And, non-political, they force cable companies to not offer any a la carte channel subscription, which would reduce cable bills for those who don't watch (ESPN for instance). They threatened to pull out all NFL from cable if companies did that.
• Air Force jets fly over Super Bowl games
• The New York Jets received $377k between 2011 and 2014 from the New Jersey Army National Guard and the DoD for event to honor military personnel during NFL games
• They worked with lawmakers in '61 to get an anti-trust exemption
• The Pentagon has paid more than $1.2 million to the Ravens since 2009, and more than $1.1 million to the Falcons since 2010.
• VA senator Warner used to serve on the board of the Red Skins
• As a business entity in a non-profit drag, it enjoys tax advantages it has lobbied hard to keep
• Owners are political: Redskins owner Snyder has given nearly $100k to GOP; Eagles owner Lurie,$20k to Democratic causes
• Only the owners of owners of the Raiders, Lions, Buccaneers and Broncos have no record of political contributions
• Average owner has paid $299k to GOP since '09
• Player Drew Brees announced he will run for office, while still an NFL player
• NFL spent $1.14mn on lobbyist in '12
• A bipartisan group, including McCain proposed to ban the DoD from spending taxpayer money to honor military personnel during NFL games.
And, non-political, they force cable companies to not offer any a la carte channel subscription, which would reduce cable bills for those who don't watch (ESPN for instance). They threatened to pull out all NFL from cable if companies did that.
43
You mean 1966-1967 on the antitrust matter The price was putting a team in New Orleans.
Golly Gee! Looks like the whole country doesn't think like NY and the present Administration afterall. Even politically correct threats and extortion aren't working anymore.
12
Ah, bigoted Houston which has re-elected a lesbian mayor 3 times. And in an article about Gary Tinterow, director of the excellent Houston Museum of Fine Arts see this sentence:
“Things are percolating along at the museum,” said Mr. Tinterow, who lives around the corner from the institution with his husband, Christopher Gardner, an antiques dealer. "
Now, fellow readers from the leading citadels of enlightenment, How many of your cities have a museum director, himself married to a man?
And how many of your cities have elected a lesbian mayor even once? (which Houston has done 3 times). You may want to check how your community allocates its privileges.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/arts/design/gary-tinterow-hometown-boy...
“Things are percolating along at the museum,” said Mr. Tinterow, who lives around the corner from the institution with his husband, Christopher Gardner, an antiques dealer. "
Now, fellow readers from the leading citadels of enlightenment, How many of your cities have a museum director, himself married to a man?
And how many of your cities have elected a lesbian mayor even once? (which Houston has done 3 times). You may want to check how your community allocates its privileges.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/arts/design/gary-tinterow-hometown-boy...
17
And thanks to HERO's defeat, Mr. Tinterow can be fired for being gay and he'd have no legal grounds to fight it.
1
People outside of here think we Texans are morons. We DO have morons living here but per capita we are average.
Excuse me while I saddle my horse to check my oil wells.
Excuse me while I saddle my horse to check my oil wells.
Yes, Keith I am sure the board of the Museum of Fine Arts will be firing him. Of course, DC, with its many museums has no director married to the person of the same sex...or even openly gay. Is that correct?
1
For the vast majority of us West of the Hudson, keeping men out of women's restrooms is the epitome of common sense and does not in any way constitute discrimination.
29
Ah, bigoted Houston which has re-elected a lesbian mayor 3 times. And in an article about Gary Tinterow, director of the excellent Houston Museum of Fine Arts see this sentence:
“Things are percolating along at the museum,” said Mr. Tinterow, who lives around the corner from the institution with his husband, Christopher Gardner, an antiques dealer. "
Now, fellow readers from the leading citadels of enlightenment, How many of your cities have a museum director, himself married to a man?
And how many of your cities have elected a lesbian mayor even once? (which Houston has done 3 times). You may want to just how you allocate privileges.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/arts/design/gary-tinterow-hometown-boy...
“Things are percolating along at the museum,” said Mr. Tinterow, who lives around the corner from the institution with his husband, Christopher Gardner, an antiques dealer. "
Now, fellow readers from the leading citadels of enlightenment, How many of your cities have a museum director, himself married to a man?
And how many of your cities have elected a lesbian mayor even once? (which Houston has done 3 times). You may want to just how you allocate privileges.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/arts/design/gary-tinterow-hometown-boy...
7
How is it not possible to move a GAME that is 15 moths away? Surely, other cities would be happy to make whatever accommodations are necessary to "adopt" the 2017 game.
4
They need big facilities, whole convention centers (fans, media, for up to three weeks in case the Super Bowl gets postponed a week) and many thousands of hotel rooms. Since it is a peak time for warm weather sites like Miami or New Orleans, these things must be arranged years in advance. They are already on hold by the cities bidding.
There's no place where that is possible for February 2017.
There's no place where that is possible for February 2017.
Come on people, Houston is not bigotry central. Exhibit one, a popular, multi term lesbian mayor.
This is about a poorly drafted initiative that failed to address people's fears about privacy. Dumb maybe, but hardly evil.
This is about a poorly drafted initiative that failed to address people's fears about privacy. Dumb maybe, but hardly evil.
14
soon I will be a bigot for not condoning polygamy.
soon I will be a bigot for not agreeing that a chimpanzee is a person.
But not yet.
You may have conned three fourths of America into redefining marriage, but you have yet to con even half of America into redefining maleness and femaleness.
My insistence that my pubertal daughter not share a bathroom with mentally disturbed cross-dressing men does not make me a bigot. The rules already prohibit my use of a woman's bathroom, thus I cannot attend to my daughter if she were in need. But any random strange male who decides to wear a dress has the right to the same bathroom? Four words: over my dead body.
You may think this is bigoted; you may proclaim it from the rooftops; you may believe it in your heart; but you would be wrong.
soon I will be a bigot for not agreeing that a chimpanzee is a person.
But not yet.
You may have conned three fourths of America into redefining marriage, but you have yet to con even half of America into redefining maleness and femaleness.
My insistence that my pubertal daughter not share a bathroom with mentally disturbed cross-dressing men does not make me a bigot. The rules already prohibit my use of a woman's bathroom, thus I cannot attend to my daughter if she were in need. But any random strange male who decides to wear a dress has the right to the same bathroom? Four words: over my dead body.
You may think this is bigoted; you may proclaim it from the rooftops; you may believe it in your heart; but you would be wrong.
30
I am quite sure no one would stop a man from entering a woman's bathroom if there was a woman there who needed their help. There aren't bathroom door police thAt I know of. And seriously - nothing is going to happen to your daughter if a man tinkles in the stall next to her. Exhale dude..
Sir, unlke the transgendered individuals you belittle it is you who are confused. If daughter needed assistance while in a restroom, there isn't a law stopping you from helping her.
And holding/ physically proclaiming bigoted views does make you a bigot. That's what the word means. But keep proclaiming your bigoted views if you'd like- you're going to to be on the losing side of history.
And holding/ physically proclaiming bigoted views does make you a bigot. That's what the word means. But keep proclaiming your bigoted views if you'd like- you're going to to be on the losing side of history.
My interest in pro football has been waning since the NFL and it's brain-dead owners didn't seem to mind discrimination in any form, from Dan Snider's Slur-as-Football-team to Houston's bathroom hysteria. I'm sure both the NFL and NCAA have been assured by republicans in congress that their anti-trust status will remain no matter what they do. And the players are willing to take the money and run. It really isn't much fun anymore, really.
13
The NFL and NCAA just had their window for a Profiles in Courage moment -- and they blew it.
Is there not one Man for All Seasons in this country?
Perhaps the networks will refuse to broadcast from Houston?
Is there not one Man for All Seasons in this country?
Perhaps the networks will refuse to broadcast from Houston?
5
"Is there not one Man for All Seasons in this country?"
I dunno, but it sure seems that there's a man for all women's rooms...
I dunno, but it sure seems that there's a man for all women's rooms...
1
I know Sir Thomas More stood for many good things. He did not die for a right for men to use the ladies' john.
Roger can't catch a break. "Houston we have a problem." The NFL could serve as a role model for fairness and justice. But will they?
3
This issue shows how greedily gutless, integrity-less, characterless and shameless the powers that be within the money-grubbing NFL and NCAA are.
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If the NFL pulls the Super Bowl, Houston ought to retaliate by making the playing of professional football in Houston illegal. Two can play at the boycott game.
3
No problem if Houston chose to ban NFL football--the team would move elsewhere.
1
Goodell has once again proven that he is tone deaf and unworthy of his position.
5
I cannot say it impacts me greatly, as I would never have gone to Houston willingly in the first place...
4
The nfl is a sports league and only that its only relevance is as a money making enterprise - it has no moral standing as anything but a business. Anything they do ito establish so called standards is just PR nonsense - to keep the suckers spending their money.
2
Boycott bigotry at all costs. Pressure the NFL/NCAA to cancel all events in Houtson. HIt them in the pocketbook!!
1
No surprise here--brings to mind the NFL's poor record on standing up against domestic violence.
You mean violence against women?
But you want the NFL to stand up in favor of forcing women to share their safe spaces with men?
How odd.
But you want the NFL to stand up in favor of forcing women to share their safe spaces with men?
How odd.
1
When Donald Trump hosts NBC's Saturday Night Live, NBC will be glorifying a declared and overt racist in the greedy pursuit of ratings. And the N.F.L. will probably proceed with plans to host the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston because to do otherwise would be inconvenient. These big, profitable organizations have a moral responsibility to set an example by standing up for equality and civil rights. Unfortunately, with their selfish behavior, the bar just keeps getting lower and lower.
1
The NFL and the NCAA suck!
But we already knew that.
But we already knew that.
Well, just make sure they have enough bathrooms. Houston - "The Proper Potty City!"
2
Did not the same thing happen in Arizona where the NFL moved the Super Bowl because Arizona would not recognize Martin Luther King Day, and then Arizona changed in mind.
2
“We will work closely with the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee to make sure all fans feel welcomed at our events.”
Gotta see one syllable of acknowledgement of that from the Committee before I believe it. There's the test for Goodell, and I predict he will fail it.
Gotta see one syllable of acknowledgement of that from the Committee before I believe it. There's the test for Goodell, and I predict he will fail it.
1
Houston should be removed from hosting these events. Yes they take planning but the runner up cities could get reorganized in a heartbeat. There is prejudice and discrimination everywhere despite laws that prohibit it. But without laws where would we be? Oh. Right. We'd be in Houston where the NFL and NCAA should not be..
2
If they are against discrimination of any kind, they better pick another instead of Houston.
4
i believe there is a real difference between not recognizing martin luther king day as a holiday and wanting to keep anatomical males out of girls restrooms. i think most reasonable people would say that once a transgender candidate has the appropriate surgery, a person who was born male but now anatomically a female can use girls bathrooms
14
If anyone can screw up public relations, it is that Master of Cluelessness, Roger Goodell, who thinks he's in the football business when actually he is in the entertainment business, and one that depends on the good will of advertisers & the general public.
So cue the Walk-Back script when major advertisers begin wondering if even touching a Superbowl ad would be toxically bad for their business because of the NFL's insensitivity to this LGBT "political issue." Or is it a Civl or Human Rights issue? Roger's not sure.
What consumer-driven business (whose employees, customers and their friends and family include many LGBT people) needs to spend millions per minute for a Superbowl ad that could drag their brand into a redneck Houston culture war involving discrimination against LGBT citizens? Was Goodell not paying attention when the Governor and entire state of Indiana choked when countless businesses threatened to shun the state after its legislature demonstrated a similar cluelessness?
And what, pray tell, will Roger The Inept do if major half-time entertainment talent begins to decline the gig because so many people in the entertainment world who are their best friends, managers, etc, just happen to be LGBT people they know and love?
Will he cave, or will he hang tough and fill the half-time slot with an extravaganza featuring NFL players beating their wives senseless?
NFL, FIFA, NCAA --- it's getting hard to tell the Neanderthals without a scorecard.
So cue the Walk-Back script when major advertisers begin wondering if even touching a Superbowl ad would be toxically bad for their business because of the NFL's insensitivity to this LGBT "political issue." Or is it a Civl or Human Rights issue? Roger's not sure.
What consumer-driven business (whose employees, customers and their friends and family include many LGBT people) needs to spend millions per minute for a Superbowl ad that could drag their brand into a redneck Houston culture war involving discrimination against LGBT citizens? Was Goodell not paying attention when the Governor and entire state of Indiana choked when countless businesses threatened to shun the state after its legislature demonstrated a similar cluelessness?
And what, pray tell, will Roger The Inept do if major half-time entertainment talent begins to decline the gig because so many people in the entertainment world who are their best friends, managers, etc, just happen to be LGBT people they know and love?
Will he cave, or will he hang tough and fill the half-time slot with an extravaganza featuring NFL players beating their wives senseless?
NFL, FIFA, NCAA --- it's getting hard to tell the Neanderthals without a scorecard.
2
This idea being thrown around in mainstream media, including the NYT editorial piece yesterday - that Houston is an intolerant, socially backward locale - is ridiculous. How many other cities in the US have elected two lesbian mayors (Kathy Whitmire & Annise Parker) to multiple terms? They were elected and re-elected again & again because they earned their post and served the citizens well. The Montrose and Museum districts here are well known LGBT friendly areas. Before people blindly throw stones and cast their extra wide nets, they should visit here for at least a month and then make a judgement. Having grown up in Houston, I can vouch for the diversity and liberal social views here. The state itself consistently voted blue for years until Tom DeLay broke the law with his re-district efforts which still stand today unfortunately.
13
What about the far-right voters in Kingwood, The Woodlands, Spring, and Cypress? And the Democratic Party in Texas used to be the conservative party, so I fail to understand the liberal history of Texas. Yes, I'm Canadian, but I ironically know more about America than Americans know about Canadians. ;)
The worst thing that the NFL could do would be to allow itself to be used as a puppet of hyper-left wing groups bent on instituting a radical social change that the majority of Houston voters just decisively rejected.
We have elections to resolve political questions, and the people have spoken. Now, those that do not respect the outcome of elections are looking for a vehicle to exact revenge on the voters of Houston. The NFL should not take the bait. Their position should be just as Tagliabue said it was - the NFL is not a political advocacy group.
To those who disagree with the result of the election, your fight is at the polls. If you want change, then persuade the majority that your change is the right course to take. Trying to involve the NFL gains you nothing, and in fact will earn you an even greater number of detractors.
We have elections to resolve political questions, and the people have spoken. Now, those that do not respect the outcome of elections are looking for a vehicle to exact revenge on the voters of Houston. The NFL should not take the bait. Their position should be just as Tagliabue said it was - the NFL is not a political advocacy group.
To those who disagree with the result of the election, your fight is at the polls. If you want change, then persuade the majority that your change is the right course to take. Trying to involve the NFL gains you nothing, and in fact will earn you an even greater number of detractors.
14
They won't, Mark, as they believe in One Man One Vote, and having a liberal judge be the Man with the Vote.
It is not too late to change the venues.......the real question is will unfettered greed trump doing what is right? Pun intended!
2
Where do you find a city with 50,000 unbooked hotel rooms, with certain hotels booked fully, for five months from now? And a stadium capable of holding the Final Four?
Well, there is one. Indianapolis is the backup site every year it does not host it, it gets money for it and a Final Four every four years. But the liberals don't like Indiana any better than Texas I think.
Well, there is one. Indianapolis is the backup site every year it does not host it, it gets money for it and a Final Four every four years. But the liberals don't like Indiana any better than Texas I think.
I'm glad the NFL and NCAA are not planning to pull out of Houston. The reflexive and repetitive use of boycotts has seriously damaged our ability to talk rationally about differences of opinion or policy and usually results in one side feeling (or being) shut out of the process. The proponents of the Houston initiative now know they have a weak spot in their strategy (at least with the current electorate) that their opponents were able to use to their advantage. The response should be to regroup and formulate a new strategy rather than resorting to economic blackmail.
11
One of the 2013 SEC Defensive Players of the Year was born in Texas, came out as gay and could not get a job in the NFL. The other plays for the Ravens.
The NFL, by nature of what it does (capitalize on people getting drunk while watching men hit each other, hard) is not a compassionate match for sexual orientation rights. Or head injuries.
It is about machismo and making lots of money and there are plenty enough to dance who want to pay the band.
The NFL, by nature of what it does (capitalize on people getting drunk while watching men hit each other, hard) is not a compassionate match for sexual orientation rights. Or head injuries.
It is about machismo and making lots of money and there are plenty enough to dance who want to pay the band.
2
The NFL has always been the world of the right-wing mentality. I'm a fan, but what do you expect from a might-makes-right sport that is built on violence?
This is the league that denied brain injuries and shrugs at domestic abuse. Every week or two another player, hyped-up on testosterone, goes bonkers and gets into a fight or other trouble.
That is perfectly consistent with not giving a damn about people it perceives as the weak in society.
This is the league that denied brain injuries and shrugs at domestic abuse. Every week or two another player, hyped-up on testosterone, goes bonkers and gets into a fight or other trouble.
That is perfectly consistent with not giving a damn about people it perceives as the weak in society.
4
Another laughable piece of advocacy journalism by NYT.
The NFL is in no "bind", despite the noise being made by hard core progressive activists and the NYT (but I repeat myself) There is zero chance the nfl will yank the SB. That would be a far worse PR disaster than the city of Houston voting not to let man into women's bathrooms.
The NFL is in no "bind", despite the noise being made by hard core progressive activists and the NYT (but I repeat myself) There is zero chance the nfl will yank the SB. That would be a far worse PR disaster than the city of Houston voting not to let man into women's bathrooms.
20
@tpierre: Well, at least you have admitted the vote in Houston was a "PR disaster"; you simply implied that the NFL decision is a "worse" disaster. So, even though you bought into the infantile scare tactics of the right wing partisans, perhaps subconsciously you recognize the folly of that thinking as well.
It's over a year away. I'm sure another city would've volunteered to host on short notice.
2
The NFL should take the Superbowl away from Houston. If their citizens want to codify bigotry they ought to pay an economic price for it.
4
Not quite sure I understand. No MLK holiday, no Super Bowl. No equal rights, Super Bowl.
Is the NFL simply not willing to go to the mat for all those - including their own players and staff - whose equal rights were denied?
Is the NFL simply not willing to go to the mat for all those - including their own players and staff - whose equal rights were denied?
7
Houston is all hat and no cattle.
3
We the voters of Houston, my hometown, are disgraceful. Please cancel all major events and conventions until this is rectified. Bands, please cancel your concerts in Houston. Move everything to Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and New Orleans. Please do it now so that the yokels outside of the 610 loop will begin to understand...
6
Money is perhaps one of the stronger things that can pressure the advocates of discrimination into changing their ways. Conventions, super bowls and other large events that generate profits for the city of Houston should indeed be rescheduled to non-discriminatory locales.
2
Of course, they'll stick with their plans. They are the twin dinosaurs of American sports. They do not care about the gays, the disabled (even those they make), or anyone else who has fallen on the wrong side of fortune: Trump-like in their view of the human condition, they are perfectly happy equating luck and virtue.
4
Atta boy NFL! Show Houston there's no consequence to their bigotry
2
NFL and NCAA: all talk, no action.
NFL fans like to watch football on TV or in person. Nothing else really matters to fans. These players and franchises are not a bunch of sweethearts. The franchises and the players are in it for money. The fans for entertainment. No one cares who is gay or not gay. No on even cared about deflated footballs, except the media.
We are long past time for voters to understand the implications of our votes. Both the NFL and NCAA are missing an opportunity to make those implications crystal clear; failing to take appropriate action belies these organizations' claim to represent diversity and inclusiveness. Somehow both the NFL and NCAA can reschedule athletic events on short notice in response to severe weather events; more than a year should be ample time in the present instance.
Very simple. It's ALL about the God of Sports: Money.
I "do not like" the NFL.
The column starts from an incorrect assumption. The ordinance was not repealed. It was never in force to begin with.
Surely whether to grant protected status to a group is purely within the policy ambit of the voters? I agree that voters should not be in charge of enforcement, but whether or not veterans, or any other group, should have a protected status is the voters' business to decide, if they are permitted to do so.
Surely whether to grant protected status to a group is purely within the policy ambit of the voters? I agree that voters should not be in charge of enforcement, but whether or not veterans, or any other group, should have a protected status is the voters' business to decide, if they are permitted to do so.
Since Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, our professional sports teams have won 5 championships, including at least one in every major sport. Maybe the Almighty approves of equality? Houston should take note.
Anyway, the NFL should come out forcefully and say that no Super Bowls will be played in cities or states that have declared gays (or anyone else) to be less than equal before the law. And you bet that's what Houston just did.
Anyway, the NFL should come out forcefully and say that no Super Bowls will be played in cities or states that have declared gays (or anyone else) to be less than equal before the law. And you bet that's what Houston just did.
86
Dang! Not only is it good policy and politics, it might be good football, too. That just might bring about change. Thanks, John!
Voters in Houston elected a lesbian mayor in three consecutive elections. So your jabs against Houston are out of whack here. Many girls do not want boys in their bathroom. At the end of the day, that is what the vote was about. Parents protecting their daughters from rapists and sexual assault.
6
Passing a law, and then rewarded by God for sports winnings? That's superstition. Does it occur to you that Houston is not yet ready to roll back women's safe space yet? It should not matter what sports organizations think. They think about money, not women's equality. This time, they see no point of trampling women's and girls' rights. That's progress, given last year's exposure of domestic violence by football players.
1