Yeah, you'll probably suffer without watching the NFL every Sunday on your big-screen TV if there the labor dispute cancels the entire season.
But would you please think of poor Maryland?
A study found that Maryland would lose an estimated $40 million in tax revenues if the entire NFL season is canceled.
The study, released Tuesday by the state comptroller's office, is described as the first of its kind in the nation.
Maryland, of course, is home to not one but two NFL teams -- the Ravens, who play in Baltimore, and the Redskins, who play in Landover.
Comptroller Peter Franchot asked for the study, so Maryland officials could understand the impact a lost football season would have on the state's revenue estimates.
The study found that tax revenue from NFL games arises from direct and indirect activity. Direct sources of revenue include income tax paid to the state of Maryland by players and other employees of an NFL team, sales tax from concession stands affiliated with the stadium or the sale of NFL merchandise, and the admissions and amusement tax, which is remitted upon purchase of an NFL ticket.
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Franchot said a lack of revenue from Ravens' and Redskins' games would throw an unwanted speed bump in the state's road to economic recovery.
"While I want the football season to resume so we can celebrate victories over the Steelers and Cowboys, I really want to see things back on track because of the tremendous boost football gives our sense of community pride, our economic activity and our state revenues," he said in a release.
