The NFL flexed its political powers as they encouraged Georgia governor Nathan Deal to veto a law in hopes of securing a future Super Bowl in Atlanta
After taxpayers agreed to supply financing for a new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons the city looked prime to host the Super Bowl in either 2019 or 2020. Hosting arguably the biggest sporting even in North America has it’s advantages as the city of Phoenix brought in an estimated $500 million when they hosted the event in 2015.
That kind of money brings some pretty big power as well, and for the second time in the past few years the NFL has decided to flex that power politically. In Georgia, a “religious liberty” bill had been proposed, but many gay-rights groups opposed the bill stating it would cause discrimination.
The NFL intervened and in a statement let the powers that be in Georgia know that the league doesn’t intend to bring their biggest game to a state that allows such discrimination to take place.
"“NFL policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness, and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard,” the league’s statement said per Pro Football Talk. “Whether the laws and regulations of a state and local community are consistent with these policies would be one of many factors NFL owners may use to evaluate potential Super Bowl host sites.”"
Georgia governor Nathan Deal has reportedly decided to veto the law, stating it doesn’t reflect the character of the people of Georgia. The law, if passed, would have allowed religious institutions the right to deny services to those who violated their beliefs.
Two years ago before the Super Bowl was played in Arizona, the state vetoed a similar law after the NFL expressed concerns over having the event there for the same reasons.
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