Illegal Bucs Viewing Just Got More Difficult
February 3rd, 2012
Throughout the past two seasons, when Team Glazer got tired of buying so many unused tickets in order to broadcast home games locally, many Bucs fans laughed at the NFL blackout, running to their laptops to watch games from international feeds knowing full well they were breaking laws watching broadcasts that violated copyright laws, not to mention getting so many viruses from the feeds that it made picking up hooker in Honduras a safer act.
Well, watching those illegal feeds just got tougher for local Bucs fans. No less an authority than the Wall Street Journal reports the long arm of the federal law has seized a number of host sites that streamed the games, and detained owners of these same sites as well, so writes Chad Bray.
On Thursday, prosecutors announced that they had seized 16 Web sites that provided access to illegal live streams of copyrighted sporting events and brought criminal charges against a Michigan man who allegedly operated nine of those websites.
“Sports fans may be tempted by illegal streaming websites, but in the end, it is they who pay the price,” said Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan. “These websites and their operators deprive sports leagues and networks of legitimate revenue, forcing spectators and viewers to bear the cost of this piracy down the line.”
The websites allegedly linked to other sites that broadcasst pirated sporting and pay-per-view events, including National Football League, National Basketball League and National Hockey League games and wrestling matches.
NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell and the feds are not playing around. The NFL wants rear ends in the seats or no TV for you! This was hammered home last night on Costas Tonight, a town hall meeting broadcast live from Indianapolis on NBC Sports Network last night where Bob Kraft, Jerry Jones and Goodell himself emphasized for the NFL to succeed as a league, it cannot broadcast games in stadiums with fans disguised as empty seats.
Try to find (and watch) pirated games next season, and know that you are being watched by a higher authority.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:05 am
US copyright laws do not extend over seas. Their is no law that makes the viewing of foreign based NFL streams illegal. That would be like saying all those who watch NFL highlights from unlicensed uploaders on YT are breaking the law.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:10 am
I pay $300 PLUS another $100 (HD) to Direct TV to watch ONE team (Bucs). That should be illegal as well!!! That is way too much money! I live 400 miles away which is why I have to do this. Anyways, I love the Bucs so whaddya do? and just for the record I am NOT thomas 2.?? I say this bc of an article I read a few weeks back. Thanks, God bless, and go Bucs!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:25 am
This is a non-story just like it was a non-story the first time they tried to crack down on these sites. Replacement sites have already popped up and none of the sites that I use have been affected.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:34 am
Joe, could you explain your final statement in the piece? Its my understanding that the Feds are cracking down on the site operators (who are within their borders), not those who are partaking in watching said streams. I’m just looking for some clarification.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:35 am
You don’t get a virus from a video feed unless you are installing a web app to view it rather than using flash or whatever.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:37 am
Baseball and hockey have non-sellout home games televised,why can’t the NFL?Legislature will be passed and the greedy NFL will be like all the other professional leagues.We should be able to watch what out tax money builds,time to take the anti -trust away
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:39 am
This is like the war on drugs, only piracy is even less harmful to society. Shut down one site and two others pop up in its place. Great way to spend our tax dollars guys!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:47 am
@Raphael Were you equally complaining when the monster truck rally was in town and was not televised? Or motorcross? Kenny Chesney? The multiple cancer fund raisers?
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:47 am
This just in, the glazers are in england interviewing Man U assistants to become bucs assistant coaches so they dont have to pay anymore coaches!!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:48 am
@Thomas
Direct TV includes NFL ticket in their basic package now…so you are overpaying.
SoccerTVLive
Stream2Watch
Those are the only 2 from my list that went down. The rest are .tv, .eu or .me addresses, and they are untouched. I have about 7 in my list.
And I feel no guilt, since I actually bought a ticket to every home game (except London) last year to support the team.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:53 am
1 coach? I keep expecting to read about the new assistants, but nothing, wtf?
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:54 am
Let them watch, Joe. It’s not illegal to view the games over the net. It’s barely illegal to stream them…in fact, of all the charges you have heard or read being filed in the past few years, have you heard of one sentence being handed out to a viewer? Or even a streamer?
This is nothing more than a marketing move. They do this every year just before the SuperBowl in an effort to force more people to view the game through regular streams so the NFL can get a more accurate viewership count for advertisers.
Only this year, MOST of the streaming sites were smart enough to switch to foreign domains ahead of time…so most are still up and running.
Nothing more than a scare tactic.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:56 am
Actually, Windows Media Video files can transmit viruses by calling up web connections linked to such viruses. That’s why I NEVER view .wmv files.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:57 am
Guys, since we are on the topic, watch out for the ACTA legislation. This is a precursor to arresting all who view even foreign “pirate” streams. If you didn’t like SOPA or PIPA, you are going to hate ACTA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8Xg_C2YmG0
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:59 am
Pete,
Read the fine print. NFL Sunday Ticket was only for NEW subscribers and only for one or maybe two years. Those of us that have been loyal subscribers for over 10 years got nothing and still pay full price. And no you can’t cancel and resubscribe, you’re still not new.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:59 am
Those sports did not insist on using tax dollars to build their own stadiums. They rented the facilities they took place in. In a way, the public is part owner of the NFL…because we invest in their presence through our tax dollars.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:00 am
@ the prosuseadvocare, were those programs televised anywhere on the planet ? And are they getting taxpayer money to build stadiums and then threatening legal action if you view the product on the internet?Are they making billions on a watered down version of what the product used to be?
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:00 am
@Aceofaerospace
Well that sucks. I hate that Brighthouse does not carry NFL Network, but at least when they offer new deals, they let current subscribers take advantage if they request it.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:02 am
Here’s an idea…since our tax dollars paid for the stadiums, how about making the games FREE and only charging for concessions? Seems fair to me. Tickets can be given out the way they do it with Training Camp.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:03 am
Says “7 comments” None seen.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:03 am
nevermind…
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:05 am
should say 9 now ^^^^^^^^ lol
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:12 am
@Pete The Bucs rent the stadium as well. They aren’t their for free.
@Raphael So, if no one can see it, you’re okay with it, but if your neighbor can you it, you have a right to see it as well?
No one is threatening legal action if you view it because that isn’t illegal.
Are you saying the NFL owes you because you don’t like their product anymore? Stop buying their product then!
The NFL didn’t take anything from you. Your government did. Don’t be mad at the NFL because the government stole your money to build a grand stadium.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:12 am
@ Pete D:
Sunday ticket is included “free” for 1 season then its 400 bucks a season that they can break up into monthly payments. Believe me …I got SUCKED IN by the Hype. Besides the EXTREMELY HIGH PRICE, i love it to death.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:13 am
Where do I start
@PeteDutcher
Direct TV includes NFL ticket in their basic package now…so you are overpaying.
For only the first 2 years of a NEW subscription and you have to either have automatic billing from a CC or you have to pay in full upfront.
Anything you run on your computer can transmit a virus, any webpage, any app, any thing that has access to the internet can download a virus, especially in a windows environment, go Mac or Linux, screw Microsoft and their gigantic security hole they call an OS.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:15 am
@Brocktacular
I was quoted 2 seasons when I called and asked how do I as a 15 year subscriber get that deal?
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:15 am
Bottom line, Glazers:
Your cheap ass sheepish running of the Bucs is clearly visible to everyone. You want to change your image, and emulate the “Steeler” way?
The answer is and will always be, spend some frrakin salary cap. You could spend on the cap and still make a profit.
The fans would at least say, “damn we were 4-12, but at least our ownership is “trying””.
Star spending some money on TALENT.
Let’s go Glazers, turn your image around.
@Pete Dutcher, like your ticket idea.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:18 am
That’s exactly what old school napster users used to say until they started getting sued and losing in court. I agree you won’t get criminal charges for watching, but you could face civil charges if the NFL decides to make an example out of some people.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:21 am
They don’t get it, they are up against pros. The sites will be there because they provide someone a revenue stream. Regarding the attorney, his comments are legal speak and do not reflect reality. They cannot close down sites that originate in other countries.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:21 am
I know of at least one still up and running….
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:22 am
@Meh Napster was a downloading site, not a streaming audio/video site. There is a difference between downloading, copying, and sharing a file and simply viewing a file from an open source.
Just like it is not illegal to view a concert for free from outside the gates, but it is illegal to record the concert, make copies, and hand them out to people.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:23 am
@Meh.
there is no comparison between downloading content and saving it on your hard drive and watching a streaming tv program.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:35 am
you should smoke less dope prosuse …
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:36 am
Legally there is no difference except that the music was usually reshared. However, there will successful civil cases against downloaders who did not reshare the mp3s. The DMCA allowed this. There was no civil liability prior to this (circa 1998).
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:37 am
Legally the downloading is the act that circumvents intellectual property rights, and this has been held in civil cases. Legally there is no distinction once those copyrighted bits are transmitted to you.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:38 am
Billionaires are going to get theirs! Unless i go fishing..
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:39 am
Joe, this bit of news is irrelevant. There’s ALWAYS a way. It’s nice to see the NFL has the government in their back pocket. Also, I’ve never received a virus from these sites. No one is downloading anything anyway.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:42 am
Hey, I got an idea! Why don’t they try giving the public a quality product! Then Meybe people would pay to see it! Lowest payroll in the league, Two crappy coaches in a row, years of poor drafting, and no willingness to spend money or bring in talented players.
No surprise they cant sell tickets. Shutting down the Internet feeds will drive fans to the Beach, or Disney world. Not that cheap, lousy brand of Football they are trying to pedal
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:43 am
@Rapheal Sorry that the truth upset you.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:44 am
The system is based on greed so eventually it will fail. Enjoy the time in the sun because the whole thing will fail. Bad seed in bad soil.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:47 am
@TheProsUseAdvoCare
Actually, streaming is still downloading. The files are sent to a temp folder on your system. I can pull up the Bucs games right now if I want.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:48 am
@Meh The difference is that one has been found illegal, and the other has not. It is illegal to buy, download andshare snuff films but it is not illegal to watch a video of someone being murdered on the internet.(Gross I know, but I’m trying to get my point across so I am using the most extreme case).
What you are implying is that every American who has used the internet is most likely guilty of copyright infringement simply because they happened across a video or stream or picture, or audio byte, of something copyrighted. That just is not the case.
There is no law forbidding the viewing of foreign based copyrighted material on the internet as of now. That is Why they tried to pass PIPA, SOPA, and are now trying to pass ACTA.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:53 am
@Pete The video/audio files are not downloaded. The file you are talking about does contain the stream. It only holds the address of the website. Completely different.
Now, you may be using a program that records the stream to your computer, but I am not and neither are most people. There is nothing in my temp folders of any video stream I have watched.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:54 am
If Tampa loses 10 games in a row again, who will want to watch them anyway ?
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:55 am
@ prosuse…lmao, upset about what? oh I see you have spoken therefore it is written……lmao
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:00 am
@Raphael I asked you questions and you got emotional and began name calling. So I apologized if what I said hurt your feelings.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:03 am
It absolutely is the case. Just because they they aren’t going after people doesn’t mean you haven’t exposed yourself to civil liability. It is stupid, but that is exactly how the DMCA has been written.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:05 am
And SOPA/PIPA were about blacklisting foreign sites in the US moreso than making this stuff illegal. DMCA already did that.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:05 am
Buy an antenna and point it towards ft. myers. easy as losing 12 games.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:05 am
@Meh Anyone for anything can be taken to court. It is another thing to win.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:08 am
@prouse I got emotional? really? your funny… you need to find out the facts is all. lmao
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:08 am
RIAA has already won civil damages for the receipt of music streams. It is not cost effective for them to pursue other than in a handful of cases to set an example.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:10 am
@prouse sorry if I upset you…You will learn eventually
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:11 am
@Raphael Did you want to prove a point or just ramble absent of purpose?
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:11 am
@Raphael Now you are just repeating what I said. This is a fun game 🙂
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:14 am
@Meh What case has the RIAA won against those who listen to streaming music? I understand that have cases out against those doing the streaming without permission, but never anything against someone who has viewed a stream. I know they have gone after individuals for downloads however.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:14 am
like I said your funny… you make me laugh.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:16 am
@prouse I am to emotional right now ….
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:17 am
@raffi haha See what I did there? I gave you a nick name!
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:19 am
Let me see if I can find the specific case. It might take awhile.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:20 am
After the town hall meeting, Kraft, Jones, & Goodell got together and sat in a circle.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:29 am
Jesus so much stupid back and forth here.
Let’s just all agree here: Those of us streaming will still stream, those providing the streams cannot be taken down. It’s akin to the war on terror, there’s no single entity that’s going to sign a peace treaty, you aren’t bringing down the whole system.
We won’t stop until we’re taken to court. The likelihood of that happening is slim at best. So less talky talky, more watchy watchy =]
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:30 am
@ Meh would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:30 am
I also just checked my streaming sources, and they’re still up and running. Not sweating a thing until I have to start googling for another site!
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:31 am
@ Jrock “So less talky talky, more watchy watchy =]” lol
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:33 am
“Try to find (and watch) pirated games next season, and know that you are being watched by a higher authority.”
Cool…let them watch. As long as they don’t stand in front of my computer screen or eat my nachos or hot wings I’m okay with it. I’ll even let ’em have a beer or two.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:34 am
Call Morgan & Morgan….’for the blackouts’.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:36 am
btw, there is no way to stop the streaming unless they shut down the Internet. There are tons of .com streaming sites the government can’t touch because they are invited members only, so the gov can’t get access to get proof.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:46 am
and all 9 of them are back up already…
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:53 am
DirecTV’s Sunday Ticket is cheaper than season tickets with a refrigerator and bathroom within 50ft. (Besides the fact I live in SC)
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Speaks volumes when a producer tries to force you to get their product. Shouldn’t we WANT to go watch the team? Watching on TV should be a last resort, if you can’t get tickets. Instead, we chose TV, so at least we can TURN IT OFF.
I wonder if that’s crossed anyone’s mind. I was out of state last season, so I got NFL ticket just to watch the Bucs. What a waste! Watching that garbage should be a sentence for Criminals- 2 weeks or 3 Bucs games!! Most would pick the Time.
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:21 pm
@ bucfanjeff
Hey buddy do you live in South Carolina or SoCal? I’m from Columbia, SC
February 3rd, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Lol at Capt. Tim 2.2
I think Thomas should upgrade to 2.3 now
February 3rd, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@flmike
promo was through Sams club just before the season started.
February 3rd, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Joe, you busted me for posting something about this yesterday. As for the site, it’s already back up. Just a new .name but I won’t post it.
February 3rd, 2012 at 5:27 pm
Shouldn’t the product sell itself? Instead of trying to force us to attend, Meybe they should stop be so damn cheap, and improve the crappy product!
Fair enough?
February 3rd, 2012 at 7:44 pm
From luxury cars to baby formula, the people of Tampa Bay PAY in order to keep up that stadium, it’s security, and upgrades.
To lock us out is wrong. The City of Tampa and Hillsborough county, and even the surrounding counties, deserve more in return for what we sacrifice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a daily basis.
No commie BS here. It’s about the taxpayer and the respect it deserves from private industry. Straight up.
What could it hurt? Allow the people to watch the game, and… God forbid! They become fans.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
HAHA the one i use is still up and running watching NFL network on it as we speak, lol
February 4th, 2012 at 9:55 am
bythe way. there is NO legal difference between downloading and streaming. you have to at least temporarily download the file to view it on your computer. which means you at some point ‘stole’ it. even if just temporarily.