National Football League

NFL could move Pro Bowl to New Orleans

Published May. 22, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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New Orleans could host the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl next year under a plan that is reportedly being considered at NFL meetings in Atlanta this week.

The league and players' union have discussed scrapping the Pro Bowl, specifically after this year's much-derided renewal.

According to the Times-Picayune, New Orleans' Superdome is the leading candidate to serve as host if the sides decide to keep holding the all-star game.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said there is currently no site for the 2013 Pro Bowl, which has traditionally been held in Hawaii.

Superdome General Manager Alan Freeman told the paper that the NFL asked to reserve Jan. 27, the week before Super Bowl XLVII, for the possibility of holding the Pro Bowl.

ESPN reported last month that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was strongly considering suspending the game after he and the NFL Players Association agreed the quality of the 2012 showpiece was unacceptable.

The game, which ended 59-41 in favor of the NFC, featured the usual lack of defense and lax effort that has marred the fixture for years.

Even if the game is canceled, players would still be selected to the Pro Bowl, since many contract bonuses are tied to the achievement.

Despite the game's poor quality relative to a regular season game, the broadcast has continued to generate strong TV ratings.

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