Organizations Accuse NFL of Coercing Stations to Buy Up Tickets to Avoid Blackout

Comments to FCC on eliminating sports blackout rule due today

Did the National Football League strongarm broadcast networks and affiliates to purchase blocks of game tickets in order to avoid local blackouts during the 2013 season and to curry political favor?

That's the stunning allegation made by the SportsFan Coalition and four other organizations in comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission, which is considering eliminating the sports blackout rule.

Comments on the FCC's proceeding, introduced last fall, are due today.

If true, the allegation could mark the beginning of the end for the 40-year rule that is universally hated by sports fans and politicians alike.

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