NFL Sighs, Pretends It Doesn't Want To Strangle Kanye West

By now, you've heard all about rapper Kanye West's impromptu blasting of President Bush in the middle of a telethon. Whatever your thoughts on West's actions, it certainly puts the NFL in an interesting situation; West is scheduled to perform at the NFL Kickoff Ceremonies tonight. (Oh, the NFL season starts tonight; total coincidence that we're launching that same day, honest.) The NFL says it will keep West on the bill, saying performers are selected "for their entertainment value, not their political views."

But from the NFL's perspective, just a couple years removed from the Janet Jackson flaccid breast episode, you have to start wondering why they even bother. They signed Green Day, Kanye West and Santana — for once, halfway decent artists — to kick off their season, and this is what the notoriously controversy-shy league gets. In other words, expect either Celine Dion or Raffi at halftime of the Super Bowl this year.

NFL Stands Behind Kanye West [LA Times] Kanye West Doesn't Care About Teleprompters [Gawker]

(Update: A reader points out that the Rolling Stones have already signed on to play halftime of the Super Bowl. Which means, of course, that the Tagliabue minions will make sure he's only photographed waist up. Can't have any of that crotchety crotch.)