The NFL still fights Las Vegas casinos on Super Bowl wording

The NFL’s army of enforcers continues to keep close tabs on those who dare commit the sin of using those two taboo words: Super Bowl.

“It came up last week. They are still very particular and sensitive,” said an events executive at a major Las Vegas-based gaming company.

It has been more than a decade since the NFL invoked the crackdown by issuing cease-and-desist letters to casinos. Those who charged admission to Super Bowl parties or aired the games on 55-inch screens or larger were in violation of the league’s copyright on the Super Bowl.

Almost everyone — from Las Vegas casinos to churches — were put on notice that legal action would be taken if the NFL’s trademarked “Super Bowl” brand ended up in party promotions.

One promoter hit hard by the crackdown had already sunk a big investment into setting up an arena for a huge indoor tailgate party.

About the same time, the NFL raised the ire of locals by banning the use of Las Vegas in Super Bowl commercials.

That hard line seemed to soften when the recession hit and demand for Super Bowl advertising wasn’t that strong. But don’t expect to see Las Vegas ads on Sunday because the language in the NFL guidelines remains restrictive.

John Avello, director of race and sports operations at Wynn Las Vegas, said the NFL’s tough stance was a shock at first because “Vegas has been a watchdog. It’s the first place to look to see if there’s anything wrong (in the way of wagering irregularites).”

The new rules “haven’t hurt us an iota,” he said. “We could call it the Pigskin Classic, and people would know what we’re talking about.”

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Comic Carrot Top, ever on top of the latest watercooler topic, has added a Deflate-gate video to his show at the Luxor. The video shows the New England Patriots’ team plane arriving in Phoenix for the Super Bowl. The next frame show the plane’s tires are deflated. …

Las Vegan Amy Purdy stars in a perseverance-themed Super Bowl commercial for Toyota Camry. Purdy, a double amputee, was a medal-winning Paralympic snowboarder and a fan favorite on “Dancing With the Stars.” The ad includes a stirring voice-over by Muhammad Ali from his boxing days. …

Former mayor and mob attorney Oscar Goodman will address “The Black Book” during his latest dinner series Thursday at Oscar’s Beef, Booze & Broads at the Plaza. The program starts at 6:30 p.m.

SIGHTINGS

Houston Rockets star James Harden, having lunch Monday with rumored girlfriend Amber Rose at La Cave in Wynn Las Vegas. The hip-hop artist and model filed for divorce last fall from rapper Wiz Khalifa. She was photographed at Drai’s nightclub at The Cromwell on Sunday with Nick Cannon, her manager. Responding to rumors that she and Cannon are an item, she posted this message on social media: “I know the world wants us to be together sooo badly (Sarcasm) but it’s just not our relationship.”… At La Cave on Monday: Hall of Fame quarterback and Fox analyst Troy Aikman, with a friend. …Actress Jane Seymour, dining with friends at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Paris Las Vegas on Monday. … Porn star Jesse Jane, meeting “Absinthe” cast members after Sunday’s show. … Actor Seth Green, backstage with Penn & Teller at the Rio before their show on Sunday. … “Big Bang Theory” star Johnny Galecki, at the opening of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in The Venetian with Alison Sweeney of “Days of Our Lives” and Laurie Metcalf, who played Jackie Harris on “Roseanne.” … Motown founder Berry Gordy was the surprise celebrity Saturday at Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Black & White Ball featuring Woman of the Year Debbie Allen.

THE PUNCH LINE

“The Northeast is being hit with a major snowstorm. Forecasters said they’ve haven’t seen a whiteout like this since last week’s Oscar nominations.” — Conan O’Brien

Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.