Lawmakers tackle NFL blackout rule

State and federal lawmakers here are blitzing pro football officials in an effort to sack the TV blackout rule on home games.

Both U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and state Sen. Mike Fasano cite tough economic times.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers especially were hit hard, unable to sell out Raymond James Stadium for most home games the past few seasons. Thus the games were blacked out locally on TV.

Bilirakis and four colleagues in the U.S. House sent a Feb. 2 letter to Roger Goodell, commissioner of the National Football League. They urged him to review the 37-year-old blackout rule.

Meanwhile, Fasano continues to push state legislation that would fine franchises for blackouts.

Fasano, a Republican based in New Port Richey, reasons that franchises benefit from using stadiums supported by public funds.

Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, said in the letter he agrees with Federal Communications Commissioner Robert M. McDowell, who said it's time to re-evaluate the blackout rule because of marketplace changes.

Since 1975, the rule has required TV blackouts if a stadium is not sold out 72 hours before a game. Federal law requires broadcasters, cable TV and satellite TV providers to abide by the regulation.

The federal lawmakers would prefer the NFL simply end the blackout policy. They suggest an alternative formula based on the size and capacity of a stadium.

"Families are cutting back and they should not be punished because of policies that are one size fits all and neglect certain populations," Bilirakis wrote in the letter.

"Many of these families have supported local stadiums for years with their tax dollars, and we believe they are entitled to some return on that public trust."

In case diplomacy fails to convince NFL officials, Fasano and other Florida legislators would put some teeth into state regulations.

Proposals would encourage franchises to buy unsold tickets to avoid blackouts, Fasano explained.

If not, the local NFL team could face a fine, Greg Giordano elaborated as Fasano's chief legislative assistant.

The money would go to a local sports authority or similar organization to purchase tickets for foster children, soldiers or other fans who otherwise might not be able to afford tickets.

"The only way to go after them" is public funding, Giordano said about NFL teams.

No response yet has come from the NFL or Tampa Bay Bucs, lawmakers report.

Goodell defended the current policy in a news conference in Indianapolis before the Super Bowl.