Mike Ditka On Cold Weather Super Bowl: ‘It’s Stupid’
Mike Ditka has criticised the location for this Sunday’s Super Bowl, calling the NFL’s decision to hold it at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium “stupid.”
Ditka, who made a name for himself playing and coaching for the Chicago Bears, has lambasted the officials who decided to hold it on the East Coast because he believes that bad weather is going to ruin the spectacle.
“The weather’s going to be a problem,” Ditka told the Detroit Free Press. “They made a big mistake. The game shouldn’t be there. I mean, it’s stupid.”
Ditka believes that the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks players who are set to feature in the huge sporting event are the ones who will truly suffer.
“First of all, it’s not fair to the players,” he erupted. “It’s not going to be fair to the fans. It’s not going to be that enjoyable. I mean, I understand it’s the Super Bowl and it’s a privilege to play in the Super Bowl. It’d be nice to be playing in Miami or San Diego or New Orleans or somewhere the weather is conducive to guys being able to show their talents.”
Ditka explained that if heavy snow, sleet and torrential rain ruins the turf on Sunday then the quality of the game will suffer, and luck will ultimately play a huge factor on who will win the encounter.
“I’m just saying, if you get extreme cold or you get snow during the game, then it’s unfair to the fans, to the players, to everybody,” Ditka continued. “You’re not going to be able to perform at near the level you’re used to. And the element of luck comes into it, and it shouldn’t happen in that game. That game should be based on the people on the field who make the plays.”
Early weather reports for Super Bowl XVIII suggest that conditions will be wet and windy. Currently, there is a 60 percent chance of precipitation, and temperatures are expected to drop to around 31 degrees when the game kicks off. Also, ice pellets are expected to appear at some point during the contest too. However, a clearer picture of the weather will be unveiled as Sunday draws closer.
MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, an area that has been bombarded with freezing weather conditions over the last few weeks. Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will provide the half-time entertainment.
