Here comes a true test for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in dealing with the scheduled game between the Houston Texans and the San Diego Chargers in fire-ravaged Southern California.
Fortunately, he has quite a precedent in looking at past decisions dealing with the nexus of sports and national disasters. From the assassination of JFK (Rozelle deemed his decision to not postpone the games the worst of his life), to the 1981 NCAA title game during the assassination attempt of Reagan, to the attacks of 9/11, to Hurricane Katrina, sports commissioners have had to make the tough decision of how and when the games will go on.
Qualcomm Stadium is currently a disaster refugee site. See the amazing first-hand picture here. The games cannot be played here. A make up date later in the schedule is unlikely too. They could play the game in the first week of the playoffs, but that would be taking a massive risk that neither team would be playoff eligible.
Potential game sites have ranged from Los Angeles Coliseum to Monster Park in San Francisco to Arizona's Sun Devil Stadium (The Cardinals stadium is hosting a motorcycle rally), to Texas Stadium in Irving, to Reliant Stadium in Houston. I am certain Goddell will not choose Houston as that would give the Texans a 9th home game and would replicate the mistake his predecssor Tags made in having the Saints 'host' the Giants at the Meadowlands. Look for the game to be held in Arizona, where the Chargers are currently practicing.
Commisioner, the sports world is waiting on your move. Make it with deceny, decisiveness, and fairness.
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