Is Indy Loosing Combine due to Pence signing RFRA?

[scooter4910]

Just to be clear...this is about the impact of pulling the combine out of Indy and not the merits of the bill or Gov Pence.

 

I don't follow Indy politics but I see the NFL, NBA, NCAA and several of the amateur organizations are pretty po'd that Gov. Pence signed the RFRA and are threatening to pull their events out of the state. Haven't lived in Indy since 1980 so I don't really have a dog in the fight but wouldn't that be pretty devastating if they followed through with their threats?

 

 

 

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2015/03/25/gov-mike-pence-sign-religious-freedom-bill-thursday/70448858/

[oldunclemark]

I would guess the combine would stay but the NFL cant have the Super Bowl in Indy until that law is repealed or ruled unconstitutional

[scooter4910]

I would guess the combine would stay but the NFL cant have the Super Bowl in Indy until that law is repealed or ruled unconstitutional

That would be super sad after all the improvements Indy has put into downtown these last couple of decades.

[pgt_rob]

This topic should probably be closed before it gets out of control. (politics and all). The law shouldn't have an effect over the combine, ncaa, Super Bowl, or any event.

[scooter4910]

This topic should probably be closed before it gets out of control. (politics and all). The law shouldn't have an effect over the combine, ncaa, Super Bowl, or any event.

This topic must be of some interest since it's being discussed on 247sports, profootballtalk, cbssports, etc. Also I said it was about loosing the combine and not the merits of the bill.

 

PS, there were several discussions about the tax implications on FA salaries (which is political) and the topic about Sams sexuality and if/how it impacted his being drafted is still up and running. I would assume that's just as divisive.

[jvan1973]

I would guess the combine would stay but the NFL cant have the Super Bowl in Indy until that law is repealed or ruled unconstitutional

I guess that means Florida and Texas are off the list to host a superbowl then. They have similar laws

[scooter4910]

I guess that means Florida and Texas are off the list to host a superbowl then. They have similar laws

Still trying to steer clear of the political side but I think I read somewhere that Indiana's definition of marriage is different than Texas and Florida thus their laws don't have the same impact. That's why the NFL is fussing about Indy and not the others. I could be wrong.

 

How much revenue does the combine bring to Indy? Anyone know?

[pgt_rob]

I guess that means Florida and Texas are off the list to host a superbowl then. They have similar laws

 

Exactly. The whole thing is bologna. It's a law that protects you from the government. I don't see how it should affect anyone participating/working in the combine.

[pgt_rob]

 I could be wrong.

 

You are. The law has nothing to do with marriage.

[jvan1973]

Exactly. The whole thing is bologna. It's a law that protects you from the government. I don't see how it should affect anyone participating/working in the combine.

I wish people would actually read the law before passing judgment on it

[MTC]

Just a friendly reminder:

 

Politicial discussion is not allowed on this forum. 

[MTC]

To answer the question: No, I don't believe Indiana will lose the combine. 

[southwest1]

I just can't picture the Combine not being in Indianapolis at all. It's almost an institution now.

 

So, to answer Scooter4910's question, LOS being the central location of NFL rookie prospects won't be changing anytime soon. 

 

It's a smart city; She won't let this recent development get in the way of making money. 

[IcEWoLF]

The NFL so far has kept it quiet, but I am sure they will start being vocal about this matter. I actually think NCAA will do something about this first before anyone else.

[oldunclemark]

This topic should probably be closed before it gets out of control. (politics and all). The law shouldn't have an effect over the combine, ncaa, Super Bowl, or any event.

The law will have an effect on all the events you just mentioned...This is a very big deal..

[scooter4910]

To answer the question: No, I don't believe Indiana will lose the combine. 

I don't know....LA is trying to build a two team stadium and is going to be making a play for as many events as possible. And even Kevin Bowen said LOS was absolutely packed this year during the combine. I could see the NFL making a move and declaring it a space issue to not alienate the fans.

[southwest1]

The one thing that gives me pause is that the last time I checked money is green for goods & services from any business. Discrimination on the basis of someone's orientation or faith could still occur via a landlord with this new law passing regarding say renting an apartment in the Hoosier State. 

 

I have nothing else to say regarding this topic. 

[scooter4910]

The one thing that gives me pause is that the last time I checked money is green for goods & services from any business. Discrimination on the basis of someone's orientation or faith could still occur via a landlord with this new law passing regarding say renting an apartment in the Hoosier State. 

 

I have nothing else to say regarding this topic. 

EEEK!! no political, no political....you'll get my topic locked.

[jvan1973]

The law will have an effect on all the events you just mentioned...This is a very big deal..

No it really isn't. Many states have very similar laws Of people would actually read it, they would set their minds at esse

[ColtsBlueFL]

Please stay on topic and stick to whether events (combine, NCAA final 4, NCAA headquarters, etc...) stay or go, not on whether or how the law may or may not affect things.

[jvan1973]

Please stay on topic and stick to whether events (combine, NCAA final 4, NCAA headquarters, etc...) stay or go, not on whether or how the law may or may not affect things.

Well how the law effects things is directly related to whether or not events will be moved.

[ColtsBlueFL]

Well how the law effects things is directly related to whether or not events will be moved.

 

It is pure speculation on how commerce might react (how and why), so it's the why debate that can spin out of hand quickly.  For this thread, keeping it simple is best.  I'd like to avoid a big mess here and a locked or hidden topic.

[ÅÐØNϧ 1]

It is pure speculation on how commerce might react (how and why), so it's the why debate that can spin out of hand quickly.  For this thread, keeping it simple is best.  I'd like to avoid a big mess here and a locked or hidden topic.

 

It would be impossible to talk about a political issue that may or may not effect the combine & a Superbowl how are you to debate freedom of association ? seriously

 

This thread was doomed from the start . It is based on politics & religion .

[ColtsBlueFL]

It would be impossible to talk about a political issue that may or may not effect the combine & a Superbowl how are you to debate freedom of association ? seriously

 

This thread was doomed from the start . It is based on politics & religion .

Yes, this one is on a short leash and being watched.  People can state whether commerce will stay or go.  The merits of the law are off limits and quite possibly the impact of future actions of commerce.  Careful wording on the latter and tread lightly folks.

[Dustin]

It'd be amazing PR for the NFL to move the combine, so there's a good chance they will.

[scooter4910]

It would be impossible to talk about a political issue that may or may not effect the combine & a Superbowl how are you to debate freedom of association ? seriously

 

This thread was doomed from the start . It is based on politics & religion .

No it's not. I was interested in the effect not the cause. What's done is done. What are the implications, here's what some are saying.

 

"The NFL is discussing the possibility of pulling out of several events planned within the state, reported Indy Star. Although they have not come to a conclusion as to how they will address the issue, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello has confirmed that the topic is on their radar.

    “We do not have a comment at this time. We are in the process of studying the law and its implications.”

One such NFL event that could be quite an affront to Indiana’s economy if pulled is the Scouting Combine, which has been hosted in Indianapolis since 1987. Visit Indy estimates that the event has a “total economic impact” of $8.27 million. The organization has been trying to move their year-to-year contract to host the event to a more binding one that would last several years, reported Indy Star.

In addition to possible repercussions from the NFL, the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA have also expressed that they will be reconsidering their use of Indiana as a host...."

[scooter4910]

Just found a few more to add to the list:

• USA Gymnastics to move the 2015 P&G Championship;
• The Big Ten to move its 2015 football conference championship game;
• The NCAA to move the 2016 Women’s Final Four and all future NCAA basketball tournament games away and other organized NCAA sporting events from the state of Indiana;
• USA Diving to move its 2016 Olympic team trials.

 

Looks like the NFL Combine might not be the only casualty.

[oldunclemark]

Just found a few more to add to the list:

• USA Gymnastics to move the 2015 P&G Championship;

• The Big Ten to move its 2015 football conference championship game;

• The NCAA to move the 2016 Women’s Final Four and all future NCAA basketball tournament games away and other organized NCAA sporting events from the state of Indiana;

• USA Diving to move its 2016 Olympic team trials.

 

Looks like the NFL Combine might not be the only casualty.

Exactly right, Scooter

..Events that have choices...will choose the non-controversial ones..or they'll lose sponsors

The Governor didn't think of that...and now he's thinking of a way to un-break this egg

[Narcosys]

The thing is 19 other states have laws just like this and NOONE is complaining about them. 31 states have religious freedom laws all together. People should be banning Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Virginia and others.

Edited to avoid Political discussions

[scooter4910]

The thing is 19 other states have laws just like this and NOONE is complaining about them. 31 states have religious freedom laws all together. People should be banning Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Virginia and others.

{snipped political content}

No politics...no politics!!!! You'll get the thread locked.

[amfootball]

I don't understand such drastic measures over a law that was just signed. Why can't orgs and event people just wait to see if anything nefarious comes of this law? I doubt it as many states have it and there are no issues with it.

[Narcosys]

No politics...no politics!!!! You'll get the thread locked.

I edited. Edit yours too. Sorry

[NFLfan]

I don't believe the NFL will move the Combine. Indy may be passed over for events that other cities are vying for (like the Super Bowl) but I believe the outrage will eventually die down. There are many states with a similar law.

[Combsey]

I don't see how that is the same law has existed federally since 1993 was signed into law by Bill Clinton.

[oldunclemark]

I don't believe the NFL will move the Combine. Indy may be passed over for events that other cities are vying for (like the Super Bowl) but I believe the outrage will eventually die down. There are many states with a similar law.

I agree with you about the combine...because its not heavily sponsored..

But sports events that have huge sponsorship have to avoid any kind of exclusionary flavor..

...Protest groups leaning on the NFL and NCAA...will always affect these choices...

You don't want people protesting and boycotting your event....In our era, the outrage wont be allowed to die down..

[oldunclemark]

I don't see how that is the same law has existed federally since 1993 was signed into law by Bill Clinton.

Its not the same law..and the reason Indian enacted this version is something the NFL and NCAA have to run from

[GwinnettColt]

Just to be clear...this is about the impact of pulling the combine out of Indy and not the merits of the bill or Gov Pence.

 

I don't follow Indy politics but I see the NFL, NBA, NCAA and several of the amateur organizations are pretty po'd that Gov. Pence signed the RFRA and are threatening to pull their events out of the state. Haven't lived in Indy since 1980 so I don't really have a dog in the fight but wouldn't that be pretty devastating if they followed through with their threats?

 

 

 

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2015/03/25/gov-mike-pence-sign-religious-freedom-bill-thursday/70448858/

 

Then there are 20 other states that it can't go to.  In addition, the law was federal (Clinton signed it) during the 1990's-so the NFL would not only need to leave Indy, it would need to leave the country for the NFL Combine to be consistent.

[scooter4910]

It'd be amazing PR for the NFL to move the combine, so there's a good chance they will.

Exactly....PED's, concussions, spousal/child abuse, etc. Anything to put a good light on the NFL is game. The NFL's ties to Indy are probably little/no greater than to any of the other 31 cities. And NFL Inc. isn't out anything by moving....that's tourism dollars to the city.

[nburgmei]

Oh man, this feels like a personal challenge to not get political with this. Here goes.

 

The NFL already threatened Arizona with the Superbowl, so I find it difficult to believe they would ignore this. They're probably just weighing their options right now. I don't know if they'll move the Combine, but I expect that we won't get a serious look for another Superbowl any time soon. I believe Gencon has reversed their position after multiple Indy businesses reached out to them, so they might stick around. I wouldn't be surprised to see the NCAA make some changes though.

 

There are so many other states that have similar laws that I think their options are limited to two choices if they don't want to look foolish. They either have to pick a state that doesn't have an existing RFRA or pick one that has one, but also has an additional anti-discrimination law in place protecting certain groups (e.g. Illinois).    

[scooter4910]

Oh man, this feels like a personal challenge to not get political with this. Here goes.

 

The NFL already threatened Arizona with the Superbowl, so I find it difficult to believe they would ignore this. They're probably just weighing their options right now. I don't know if they'll move the combine, but I expect that we won't get a serious look for another Superbowl any time soon. I believe Gencon has reversed their position after multiple Indy businesses reached out to them, so they might stick around. I wouldn't be surprised to see the NCAA make some changes though.

 

There are so many other states that have similar laws that I think their options are limited to two choices if they don't want to look foolish. They either have to pick a state that doesn't have an existing RFRA or pick one that has one, but also has an additional anti-discrimination law in place protecting certain groups (e.g. Illinois).    

Nice, succint, nonconfrontational....good post.