Another example of the NFL fleecing our pockets is the monopoly they have created with Directv.

With the contract negotiations going on between the league and the players I am once again struck by the arrogance of the league in regards to it's viewers options to see it's product.  If I want to watch the NFL Channel I have to do it through Directv.  Since they do not offer any decent high speed Internet service I also have to buy Charter Cable, virtually doubling my cost of home entertainment.

I thought the NFL would wise up after the embarressment they suffered in 2007 in game 16 when they were forced to allow both CBS and NBC to simulcast one of the best games in recent memory.  But no, it's the same old crap.  The NFL would have us believe that the cable companies are at fault for not paying their surcharge but I don't buy that.  Holding out for more money for their channel deprives fans of a more reasonable cost of viewership.  It is the NFL's job to ensure that the most people can view it's product, not to fatten it's own wallet at the expense of it's fans.

We should create a movement which would deluge the NFL with requests for easier options to view their channel.  If we could muster the kind of outrage that occurred in 2007 into a coherent unified voice I think they would have to relent and make the channel more readily available.  I'm sure some of us on BBV must be lawyers  Can we not conjur up some kind of class action suit against the NFL that might embarrass them enough through public opinion to change their attitude?