The NFL operates as a not-for-profit. That's the league's tax status, which is laughable.
The league makes billions of dollars. It's the most successful sports league in American history, a record it breaks every year. Even with a ton of controversial off-field issues in September, television ratings improved again. It is one of the top businesses in the country. The NFL prints money. It just struck a deal with DirecTV that pays the league $1.5 billion annually, according to ESPN. Commissioner Roger Goodell made $44.2 million in 2012.
Congress is finally looking into the NFL's tax status, but at least one member of Congress is strangely tying it to the Redskins' name controversy, according to ABC News.
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton is cosponsor of the House bill that would cut off the NFL's tax break. She represents the District of Columbia. ABC News said new bills were introduced in recent weeks to take away the not-for-profit designation. Norton said that the NFL might get that cushy tax break yanked ... unless it changes the Redskins' name.
"The NFL greed is so widespread that they’ve chosen to operate as a tax-exempt organization. So we want to take that choice away from them unless, and until, they decide not to profit from a name that has now officially been declared a racial slur,” Norton said on the ESPN/ABC podcast “Capital Games,” according to ABCNews.com.
Norton was doing perfectly fine, right up to "unless, and until ... "
So what exactly is she saying? So the NFL can keep its greedy (her words) and unfair tax break as long as it dumps the Redskins' nickname? It doesn't seem right that they'd be allowed to hold onto what Norton deemed wrong as long as they give up something else. How about, "We're going to look into your tax-exempt status because it's entirely unfair?" That seems a little better. Even if this is the only real leverage the government has in the fight over Washington's nickname, these issues are entirely separate.
being a Washingtonian I love my team and my Rep. but I have o agree with the author it does sound like as he wrote they can keep the tax sham if they change the name. I understand about the name, I think that because here anyway not a big Native American opposition could very well be why after years of request to change have been ignored by those with the power to do so, IMO the electing of PRES. and his inclusive agenda set a more favorable climate to get it done.
must admit did not know about tax exemption that is criminal the relationship referred to in article with congress I wonder if that's all of congress or a part but then again it says long time relationship so I guess that answers the question. I think in the spirit of racial awareness it should be changed I think the league would do itself a big favor and possibly bring in more patrons.
now do something soon about concussions and helmet construction, I have a grandson playing for NSU as a defensive lineman he's big and takes his position seriously stop the statistics of injury to the head protect not only our kids but the pro's who are at maybe a greater risk.
