Most of the fans of the NFL are white, middle class. Why does NFL management appeal to 13% of the population?
If the NFL got rid of it's thugs, went 90% white...and even if the quality of play declined...I would still watch it. In fact, I believe that the overall popularity of the NFL would increase.
It seems that the popularity of Pro Golf hasn't suffered without Tiger Woods.
I don't think the NFL had much to say about it. What has happened over time is that big-time sports now attract two basic types of participants: (1) wealthy kids whose families can afford to pay for personal training, coaching, etc.; and (2) athletically gifted lower-class kids who are willing to play sports that are likely to expose them to a lot of physical problems down the road.
America's middle class may be a huge part of the NFL's fan base, but their kids aren't playing it as much as they once did.
“If the NFL got rid of it’s thugs, went 90% white...and even if the quality of play declined...I would still watch it. In fact, I believe that the overall popularity of the NFL would increase.”
Show me ANY white guy that can catch a football while sprinting at 25 miles an hour! ;)
Why would you push for social engineering in the NFL? In spite of its’ flaws at least most pro sports are still a meritocracy. That should never change. Reality doesn’t support your statement about golf either. Check the ratings.