NFL Bans Super Bowl Commercial from PRO Draft League for Highlighting Off-the-field issues plaguing its Athletes

Historically, the NFL has rejected commercial submissions they deem “not suitable” for family viewing to air during the Super Bowl.  Most commercials are banned for being too sexual in nature or because they promote a service or product that doesn’t meet the NFL’s ethical standards.  That’s what has PRO Draft League CEO, Mark Tadros so confused about the rejection of his Super Bowl XLIX submission, being that it did not violate any of these common offenses.  PRO Draft League (http://www.prodraftleague.com/) is one of North America’s leading providers of Fantasy Sports for Real Money contests.

 “We had just secured a second round of funding with more on the way if we could prove to our financial backers that we could generate revenue all year round and not just during the NFL season where 90% of the Fantasy Sports action is,” stated CEO, Mark Tadros.  “We came up with this great commercial to promote daily Fantasy Hockey and wanted to launch it on the last day of the NFL season which just so happens to be the biggest TV event of the year.” 

The banned Super Bowl commercial in question (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC6ZtkGD_RU&feature=youtu.be) highlights the various scandals and suspensions that caused Fantasy Football players headaches throughout this year ending with the tag “Thank God Football is Over.  Time to Play Fantasy Hockey.”  After viewing the commercial, NBC Senior Vice President, Cathy Garrison informed PRO Draft League that the commercial wouldn’t get approved by the NFL, and even suggested a new creative direction be explored.  Tadros politely declined, stating,

“Since when is commenting on a football player being suspended for substance abuse considered not family safe? The public is tired of professional athletes behaving badly as I’m sure the sports leagues are too.  Instead of burying these issues we should continuously bring them to light. We have no ill will towards the NFL.  It’s the greatest sports league in the world.  We just wanted to capitalize on the angst many Fantasy Football players experienced this year because of all the off-the-field issues that affected their fantasy teams and use that in a way to promote the other Fantasy Sports contests we have to offer such as the NHL which doesn’t seem to have the same degree of scandals with their athletes.”

The TV campaign for a similar Fantasy Basketball spot has been produced and will kick off in February. Despite the commercial snub, PRO Draft League anticipates another great season of fantasy sports participation.

For more information on PRO Draft League please visit http://www.prodraftleague.com/, e-mail us at [email protected], contact us by phone at 877.841.7244.