NEW YORK (March 9, 2004) -- The NFL canceled plans for a third
opening-game kickoff concert following Janet Jackson's risque halftime
show at the Super Bowl.
The league held free downtown concerts before its season-opening
Thursday night games the last two seasons, but NFL spokesman Greg Aiello
said that commissioner Paul Tagliabue put an end to the concerts.
Tagliabue informed the owners of the decision on Feb. 12, less than two
weeks after Justin Timberlake tore off part of Jackson's costume,
exposing her right breast.
Tagliabue was incensed at the action, which generated outrage throughout
the country and from Congress.
Two years ago, the NFL had its first Thursday night opening game in New
York, and Jon Bon Jovi headlined a concert in Times Square that
afternoon. Last year, the opener was in Washington, and more than
100,000 people came out in the rain for a concert featuring Britney
Spears, Aerosmith and Aretha Franklin.
Aiello said there might be a different sort of event to coincide with
the game, including musical entertainment. Neither the site of the game
nor the participants have been determined.
"No decisions have been made on any events other than the commissioner
telling the ownership on Feb. 12 we will not have a concert," he said.
AP NEWS
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