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NFL Cancels Opening-Game Kickoff Concert
(AP, 03/09/2004 3:28 PM)

The NFL canceled plans for a third opening-game kickoff concert following Janet Jackson 's risque halftime show at the Super Bowl.

The league held free downtown concerts before its season-opening Thursday night games the last two seasons, but NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday that commissioner Paul Tagliabue put an end to the concerts.

Tagliabue informed the owners of the decision on Feb. 12, less than two weeks after Justin Timberlake tore off part of Jackson's costume, exposing her right breast.

Tagliabue was incensed at the action, which generated outrage throughout the country and from Congress.

Two years ago, the NFL had its first Thursday night opening game in New York, and Jon Bon Jovi headlined a concert in Times Square that afternoon. Last year, the opener was in Washington, and more than 100,000 people came out in the rain for a concert featuring Britney Spears , Aerosmith and Aretha Franklin .

Aiello said there might be a different sort of event to coincide with the game, including musical entertainment. Neither the site of the game nor the participants have been determined.

"No decisions have been made on any events other than the commissioner telling the ownership on Feb. 12 we will not have a concert," he said.