Sign in Subscribe
Cable television broadcasting industry

Governor Ed Rendell Calls Out NFL for Postponing Eagles-Vikings Game

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania went on a passionate rant about the decision to postpone the Philadelphia Eagles-Minnesota Vikings football game due to inclement weather. The game was initially scheduled for December 26, 2010, but was canceled as the city was expecting up to 18 inches of snow. However, only 7 inches of snow fell, and Governor Rendell criticized the NFL for being overly cautious, calling it a joke. He argued that football is meant to be played in all types of weather, and that the fans should have been given the option to decide whether to brave the conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Ed Rendell criticized the NFL for canceling the Eagles-Vikings game due to 7 inches of snow on the ground, calling it a joke and an example of the "wussification of America."
  • The governor argued that football is meant to be played in all types of weather, including snow, and that the fans should have been given the option to decide whether to attend the game.
  • Rendell claimed that he was upset about the decision and that the fans wanted to play the game, citing online polls that indicated a three-to-one or four-to-one majority in favor of playing the game.
  • The governor noted that the roads were clear of snow and the subway system was operating normally, contradicting the idea that the conditions were too hazardous for fans to attend the game.
  • Rendell invoked the spirit of football legends such as Vince Lombardi, who, he claimed, would have been outraged by the decision to cancel the game.
  • The governor predicted that the Eagles would win the game, which was rescheduled for December 28, 2010.
  • Rendell claimed that he had been flooded with calls from constituents supporting his stance on the game, joking that he might be thinking of a presidential run after speaking his mind.
  • The governor emphasized that his goal was simply to watch football in the snow, rather than pursuing any higher office.

Statistics:

  • 7 inches of snow fell on the ground at game time.
  • The NFL initially predicted up to 18 inches of snow.
  • Online polls showed a three-to-one or four-to-one majority of fans in favor of playing the game.
  • The roads were clear of snow.
  • The subway system operated normally.

Sources:

  • Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, interview on FOX News Channel's "On the Record" with Dana Perino, December 27, 2010.

Read more