Bill Maher has labeled the NFL’s ‘End Racism’ slogan as ‘stupid’ in a blistering attack on the long-running campaign.
The end-zone message has been in the headlines this week after it was revealed this weekend’s Super Bowl will not feature the slogan written on the turf for the first time in four years.
The last three editions of the big game have all included ‘End Racism’ in the end zone, but this year the words ‘Choose Love’ and ‘It Takes All Of Us’ will occupy the space.
While the decision has bemused some, many agree with the decision – including TV host and comedian Maher, who has made his thoughts very clear.
In a strong message on his ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ show, he said: ‘I noticed that at the Super Bowl, they’re, for the first time in, I think, four years now, the Trump administration is making them take away “End Racism”, which they had written in the end zone.’
Guest Tara Palmeri then claimed it ‘seems silly’ for the NFL to make that decision, asking Maher: ‘Why get rid of it?’
Bill Maher eviscerated NFL’s ‘stupid’ End Racism campaign after the decision to remove slogan
Journalist Tara Palmeri tried to defend the campaign but Maher was quick to slam it
Maher then responded: ‘Oh, I could tell you why. Because it was stupid to begin with. But let me ask you, who is it for? And if you’re a racist and you see “End Racism” in the end zone, you’re gonna stop being a racist?’
A stunned Palmeri then hits back, claiming: ‘But the sentiment is basically like, don’t be an asshole,’ to while Maher rebukes: ‘But I think it’s an asshole to nag us during a football game about something that doesn’t change anything.
‘If I’m not a racist and I see it, it doesn’t matter. And if I am a racist, it’s gonna make me more of a racist.’
This weekend’s Super Bowl between the Chiefs and Eagles will see Donald Trump in attendance, making him the first sitting president in history to attend the game.
The NFL has chosen to remove ‘End Racism’ messages from end zones at the Super Bowl
The league’s decision comes after it was revealed that president Donald Trump, who has recently been critical of DEI programs in the US, is attending Sunday’s game
Fans quickly took to social media to agree with Maher’s takedown of the anti-racism slogan, with one writing: ‘The only point is to virtue signal. That’s all.’
Another added: ‘I’ve been saying this for years. The NFL is actually promoting racism and division. It is very hard to watch. Sad really, because the NFL is one place where merit is the only way to get a starting role, regardless of what color your skin is. Talk about dropping the ball…’
Sunday’s game will see Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs aiming to create history by becoming the first team ever to three-peat.
Andy Reid’s team have lifted the Lombardi Trophy in 2023 and 2024, and will look to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Sunday evening.
