Falcons Owner Arthur Blank, whose new stadium could be in line to host a Super Bowl in coming years, on Friday said that he "opposes a bill approved by the Georgia Legislature that protects opponents of same-sex marriage amid concerns it could lead to discrimination" against LGBT people, according to the AP. The NFL acknowledged that the religious exemptions bill, passed by both houses of the Legislature but still needing the signature of Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, "could have an impact on the selection process" for the game in '19 and '20. Atlanta is "one of the finalists for the next two Super Bowls to be awarded, along with New Orleans, Miami and Tampa." The city has been "considered a clear favorite because of its new retractable-roof stadium, set to open next year." Blank in a statement said, "I strongly believe a diverse, inclusive and welcoming Georgia is critical to our citizens and the millions of visitors coming to enjoy all that our great state has to offer" (AP, 3/18). ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure noted the proposed Georgia law would "enable religious leaders to refuse to perform same-sex marriages and allow tax-funded groups to deny services to gay men and lesbians." Blank: "One of my bedrock values is 'Include Everyone' and it's a principle we embrace and strive to live each and every day with my family and our associates, a vast majority of which live and work in Georgia. I strongly believe a diverse, inclusive and welcoming Georgia is critical to our citizens" (ESPN.com, 3/18).
SEVERE REPERCUSSIONS: The NCAA, which controls the site of the Final Four, on Friday in a statement said it will "monitor current events, which include issues surrounding diversity." In Atlanta, Jeff Schultz noted there is "precedent for the league stripping a Super Bowl from a city for decisions in the political world." Schultz: "Whether you agree with the legislation or not ... there would be severe economic repercussions if the law passes" (AJC.com, 3/18). YAHOO SPORTS' Jay Busbee noted Atlanta's new stadium "makes it the front-runner" for the '19 or '20 Super Bowl. But this "isn't an idle threat" by the league (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 3/19).
