To fix itself, the NFL must redress its oligarchical ownership system, clean house at the top, and speed up the game.

The first step is for state legislatures to follow the example of Rep. Kenny Havard of Louisiana, who wants to reduce the tax breaks afforded to the New Orleans Saints. While it is true that NFL teams generate significant revenues for local economies, it is ludicrous that so many state governments throw such vast sums of public money at billionaire owners.