Most prominent on its list of “prohibited advertising categories” are condoms and other forms of birth control. While those spots aren’t allowed, the league has no problems with commercials for performance enhancing erectile dysfunction drugs.
Also, while many people like to mix their vodka with an energy drink, they won’t get that idea from the NFL, which still wants nothing to do with Red Bull and similar energy drinks.
Earlier this year, a big brouhaha erupted after Fox rejected a Super Bowl commercial for GNC, just days before the big game. The Pittsburgh-based vitamin and supplement retailer said at the time that it was notified by Fox that GNC’s participation in the Super Bowl as an advertiser wasn’t acceptable to the NFL.
GNC is listed under “prohibited companies” on a memo from the NFL and the players union, warning against business relationships with the company because it’s associated with substances banned by the NFL.
Gambling also is still a red flag, including ads for any hotel that features gambling even if it isn’t referenced in the commercial. That also includes tourism ads for places that allow gambling such as Las Vegas. Lottery ads are acceptable, as is general advertising for horse or dog racing or state and municipal off-track betting organizations.
The NFL is also worried about excessively violent movies and videogames being advertised during their violent games. The league said it will determine whether a videogame or movie crosses that line.
And while marijuana has become legal in many states, the only thing the NFL wants high in its games are the punts.
Article Appeared @https://www.wsj.com/articles/nfl-adds-liquor-to-menu-of-advertisers-1496441710