Pigskin Politics

The NFL has banned mayors and governors.

Team owners have decided that the political pressure applied by elected officials "detracted" from Super Bowl bid-to-host presentations.

I offer the cynic's take: Political pressure and favors are one way to sweeten a city's bid -- the least expensive way for a city, but also the least lucrative for the owners. And saying yes to one mayor meant saying no to a dozen others.

By unilaterally banning elected officials, owners can guarantee sweeter, fatter wallets without upsetting anyone.