Oh, and watch two teams that are not very likeable play for the championship.
The start of a one-year hiatus from Roman numerals may be the most significant thing about Super Bowl XLIX. When they play the Super Bowl next year in Santa Clara, they will move away from the self-important labeling that officially started with the Vth version. It will be Super Bowl 50! (My hope: In an ironic move, Levi's Stadium becomes known as "the home of the San Francisco XLIXers" next year.) Unfortunately, it appears that the Roman numerals will return the following year with Super Bowl LI.
Oh, NFL. You're so complicated!
Anyway, with the game kicking off today at 3:30 p.m. (don't be fooled by all the pre-game hype. The game actually starts at 3:30 p.m.), here are a few rambling thoughts from a former sports editor.
Deflategate
The New England Patriots got caught cheating (again) when it was revealed that the footballs they used in the AFC Championship game were underinflated, making them easier to throw and catch. Their reaction has been to deny, deflect and act like the criticism is unfair, but clearly something happened. It wasn't on accident.
Most of us didn't realize that the NFL doesn't take care of all game-ball preparation. Teams prepare their own balls, then have refs check them? Each team provides their own balls for their offense? What is this, middle school flag football?
In addition to the obvious move (the NFL will take responsibility for the balls starting next year), here's an appropriate punishment for the Patriots: Let the Seahawks prepare the balls for both teams today. The Patriots could be forced to alternately play with totally deflated balls (good luck throwing them!) and ridiculously overinflated balls that are impossible to grip and break fingers of those who catch them. Let the punishment fit the crime.
Surly Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have a reputation of being loud and obnoxious, except when they're silent and obnoxious. Remember last year, when Richard Sherman shouted at Fox's Erin Andrews after beating the 49ers? Or this year, when receiver Doug Baldwin yelled at reporters for "doubting" the Seahawks after their remarkable win in the NFC Championship game? Or this past week, when Marshawn Lynch angered media members and the 15 people who care about NFL Media Day when he showed up but defiantly refused to answer questions?
Here's the solution: Ignore them.
If Seattle wins, talk to Coach Pete Carroll, but don't put a single player on TV for a postgame interview. Russell Wilson didn't participate in the obnoxious behavior? Too bad, his teammates did. The media should do what society has chosen to do to harmless bad behavior for a long time: Realize the perpetrators are doing it to get attention, so ignore them. They'll probably change their behavior. If not, at least we won't have to watch.
Halftime show
Choosing Katy Perry to do today's halftime concert continues the NFL's move to target a younger demographic while still keeping it safe. My suggestion? A big stunt at halftime: A David Blaine-type illusion-magic show. Robbie Knievel jumping a motorcycle over 15 team buses. Nik Wallenda walking a tightrope over the stadium. Or something that would blow up social media: A Justin Bieber concert. I'd certainly watch it.
Prediction
Team Ruff will beat Team Fluff in Puppy Bowl XI (kickoff at noon on Animal Planet).
Brad Stanhope is a former Daily Republic editor. Reach him at bradstanhope@hotmail.com.
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