NFL getting rid of Pro Bowl

[nickagneta]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7857508/nfl-moving-suspend-pro-bowl-sources-say

Many players who will be selected during this week's NFL draft are regarded as future Pro Bowl selections, but the game itself likely will be suspended this season and beyond, according to league sources.

Beyond 2013, another league source believes the Pro Bowl is "DOA (dead on arrival)."

The next Pro Bowl is scheduled the week before the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Feb. 3, but a game site has not been listed because of its precarious status, sources added.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has previously voiced his displeasure with the lack of competitiveness of recent Pro Bowl games, remains in serious dialogue with the NFL Players Association about suspending this year's game, sources say. Goodell cannot unilaterally suspend the game without the union's approval.

About time. I've never been a fan of all star games but this is without a doubt the worst of the absolute worst of all-star games.

Good move Roger Goodell

[jgod213]

I can't imagine the players union would be a big proponent of this, no? Certainly the players have shown they aren't too interested in playing, but the bonuses associated with being selected would be something i don't think the players would want to lose.

I'm glad to ehar the dialouge is here, though.  I've always thought some type of pro bowl flag football game would be both more competative and more fun for the fans.  Maybe you can get Lebron and Durant involved!?

[wdleehi]

I can't imagine the players union would be a big proponent of this, no? Certainly the players have shown they aren't too interested in playing, but the bonuses associated with being selected would be something i don't think the players would want to lose.

I'm glad to ehar the dialouge is here, though.  I've always thought some type of pro bowl flag football game would be both more competative and more fun for the fans.  Maybe you can get Lebron and Durant involved!?

From the same article.

If the game is suspended, the league still would have a Pro Bowl balloting process to identify the season's top players and would direct teams to remain open to negotiating Pro Bowl clauses into player contracts and to honor Pro Bowl incentive clauses to avoid any serious conflict with the players association. Those players also likely would be honored in some fashion during Super Bowl week.

[Tai]

Well, good on the league. I would've argued that the players couldn't have it both ways (don't wanna play in Pro Bowl, but want the bonuses from it), but if the league's gonna be that kind, then so be it.

[Moranis]

The league should make a rule that if you are voted to the Pro Bowl and do not play in the game, than you are not a Pro Bowler and you get no bonuses from contracts or otherwise.  The only exception would be for the players on teams in the Superbowl or that ended the season on injured reserve (like Matt Schaub).

[jgod213]

The league should make a rule that if you are voted to the Pro Bowl and do not play in the game, than you are not a Pro Bowler and you get no bonuses from contracts or otherwise.  The only exception would be for the players on teams in the Superbowl or that ended the season on injured reserve (like Matt Schaub).

I'm with the players in all of this.  It really is a meaningless game where players are potentially jeapordizing their careers and livelihood.  All it takes is one play.  The league needs to come up with some alternative.

[fairweatherfan]

Yeah, the NFL is different from the other leagues in the violence of the sport.  Having an all-star game is too risky. 

I like the compromise - keep selecting Pro Bowlers but don't play the game.  It actually helps ownership with bonuses because lots of injury/Super Bowl replacements get named every year.  Now it'll just be the original selections each year.

[Marcus13]

Great idea - have an All-Pro Team and keep it movin.  Nobody cares, anyway

[Donoghus]

Pro Bowl has pretty much always been a joke.  No qualms with this.

Football's not really a sport you can have guys going halfspeed and playing at different intensities.  You really do risk a serious injury in a situation like that.

[Cman]

Good move.
I never watch it.

[Finkelskyhook]

Hopefully the NBA all star game is next.  I have no problem with the way a meaningless game like the pro bowl is played.  Why risk injury. 

The league should make a rule that if you are voted to the Pro Bowl and do not play in the game, than you are not a Pro Bowler and you get no bonuses from contracts or otherwise.  The only exception would be for the players on teams in the Superbowl or that ended the season on injured reserve (like Matt Schaub).

What does that accomplish if they show up on the field...And play a neutered version of flag football as they have the past few years?

[celts55]

WOW, They still have a pro bowl??

[Eja117]

Can't say I'd miss it much. Definitely missed Robert Edwards when they almost had to amputate his leg from a beach volleyball incident related to rookie events at the thing.  Seems weird not having it, but maybe not as weird as it did actually having it

[Redz]

I'm sure they'll make the awards into some contrived gala event like the ESPY's.  I can't believe they're trying to squeeze 3 days out of the draft for god's sake.  But I guess if people will tune in then they'll keep at it.  More people would tune in for an awards night than the Pro Bowl anyhow.