80th Legislature: Stepping Into The NFL Networks Controversy

The Texas Legislature will now be joining the fight between NFL Network and local cable providers.

In some parts of Texas, cable users were not able to see today’s Dallas Cowboys game because NFL Networks wants to charge cable companies massive amounts of money to air a package of eight regular season games. One cable company, Sudden Link (formerly Cox), claims NFL Networks wanted to charge $100 million for the privilege.
Now, Sen. Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville) and State Rep. Jose Menendez (D-San Antonio) have filed resolutions urging the two sides to get along and go along so NFL Network games will be available on cable outlets across the state:

“Some of the most stalwart football and Cowboys fans reside in South Texas,” Lucio said. “Cable television is the only hope for football fans from this area, as well as from other areas of the state, to watch professional and college football, or even high school games, because of the vastness of the state. They are paying cable customers, and supply should meet their demand.”

Neither Lucio’s Senate Concurrent Resolution 2 nor Menendez’s House Concurrent Resolution 21 would actually be a “law” or have any enforcement power, but Legislators believe the parties involved need to hear the message loud and clear from the Lege.