"People are interested in pro football because it provides them with an emotional oasis; they don't want football to get involved in the same types of court cases, racial problems and legislative issues they encounter in the rest of American life"

In this quote, Pete Rozelle, the previous commissioner of the National Football League, suggests that individuals are drawn to professional football because it offers them a temporary escape from the obstacles and complexities of everyday life. He believes that fans do not desire the sport to end up being entangled in the same questionable concerns that afflict society, such as legal battles, racial tensions, and political debates. Instead, they view football as a safe house where they can simply take pleasure in the game without having to challenge these difficult realities. Rozelle's words highlight the function of sports as a form of entertainment and diversion, providing a sense of comfort and relief from the extreme realities of the world.