The Federal Communications Commission has unanimously decided to rally against the NFL blackout rule.

The bipartisan vote by the FCC denounces the nearly 65 year practice of canceling local game broadcasts if the stadium does not sell at least 85 percent of the tickets 72 hours before game day.

The blackout tactic was severely outdated and in many ways even detrimental to the NFL itself. The FCC ruling does not precisely mean that the blackouts have been abolished; it just means that the NFL can no longer do it with the support of the federal government. The NFL once again wrestles with a crisis of character and now it is solitarily on them to do the right thing for their prime asset, the fans.

Becton Regional High School teacher and avid football fan Mr. Dibona stated, “I agree with the FCC’s decision because the fans should not be penalized for watching their favorite team on television.”

The NFL blackout rule was introduced in the early 1950’s, during a time when the game was in its earlier and less-popular stages. With local teams failing to gain respectable attendance combined with the new invention of the television, the general consensus amongst football fans became “why go out and watch this game while I can just stay home and watch it?”

That thought process from fans led over 30 former NFL franchises to become defunct from 1920 to 1950 and five teams to merge as one in the early 1950’s. In order to avoid losing money the NFL virtually sent a message to the fans saying “buy tickets or you cannot see the game at all.”

The NFL has become the most prevalent sport and perhaps the leading form of entertainment in America and the blackout rule has been rendered useless. Mismanagement by certain NFL franchises has led to losing teams which in turn leads to dwindling ticket sales. Fans of these teams should not be penalized for their favorite franchise’s managerial shortcomings. Instead NFL owners should make a sincere commitment to excellence and that will lead to more revenue and more fans at games.

FCC democratic chairman Tom Wheeler put the public on notice saying that “For 40 years these teams have hidden behind a rule of the FCC. No more. Everyone needs to be aware of who allows blackouts to exist, and it is not the Federal Communications Commission.”

Until the league holds themselves accountable for their shortcomings pertaining to the continuation of the television blackout rule, this will be yet another cavity in the legendary NFL shield.