Responding to what happened a couple days ago, churches around the country have put the kibbosh on “traditional” Super Bowl parties while the NFL continues to put the fear out, “standing by its interpretation of copyright law.” Apparently, enough private homeowners are worried about Ray Lewis busting down their door that Slate came to the rescue, explaining the “copyright law” the NFL keeps referring to.
https://gizmodo.com/nfl-gets-its-panties-in-a-bunch-over-jesus-and-big-tvs-233423
The 55-inch limit cited by the NFL applies only to public showings of the Super Bowl, not private gatherings. According to U.S. copyright law, Josh is in the clear so long as he doesn’t take his gigantic TV to a public place, or invite “a substantial number of persons” to his house—more than a normal circle of family and social acquaintances.
While the Explainer goes on to say that “you can show the game to a big crowd, provided you’re not charging people” and are showing it on “a single receiving apparatus of a kind commonly used in private homes,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said that even admission-free “mass out-of-home viewings” are a no-no, and they will bust your ass. Hard.
So basically you should watch the game at home on your own big-ass TV, but don’t tell anybody about it. Or better yet, watch it with your eyes closed.
The (Super Bowl) party’s over [IndyStar]
Is My Super Bowl Party Illegal? [Slate]
