Below are comments from users concerning the NFL's decision not to play games this week.

NFL makes the right call
The players and leadership of the NFL have shown that it is truly "more than just a game". In these days of anger and anguish, they stand tall as leaders in the decision not to play this weekend. I can understand how some feel that by doing so, we allow the cowards to control our lives -- but -- there are times to just stop and consider who we are and what we stand for. This is one of those times.
Gwen Perkins
Waco, N.C.

The NFL absolutely made the right decision in not playing football games this weekend while rescue efforts are still under way in New York. How very sad it is for people to feel a need for a "diversion" while survivors may still be scratching and clawing their way out of the twisted debris that used to be the Twin Trade Towers and heroic men and women are still trying to find them. What do we say to the victims, that we will "check back on them again at half time?" It makes me sick to my stomach. The games will go on next week. The "bad guys" will not have won. And victims of these tragedies and their families will not have to apologize to America's selfish football fans for letting news coverage of their lives being torn to shreds getting in the way of an afternoon of games.
Tim D. Wilson
Lexington, Ky.

I strongly believe as a country we must not let terrorist feel they can alter our way of life with acts of cowardice murder. However, the NFL is just a form of entertainment in our society, and I for one could not enjoy watching my favorite team play while bodies are still being pulled from the rubble of this weeks tragedy. Would I fly on a commercial airplane tomorrow for my job? Yes. Could I truly enjoy watching any sporting event played for my entertainment for the remainder of the week? Absolutely not. Good call NFL and all those who followed your lead.
Tony Cradic
Kingsport, Tenn.

I was on the side of the games being played, but I totally support and understand the decision made by the NFL. Hopefully, others won't waste their time and ours complaining about or chastising this decision. The only teams we should care about right now are the rescue teams in New York City.
Sean Goodrich
Falls Church, Va.

As much as I'd like to see things back to normal, and show our resiliance as a nation, I don't think we can expect the teams, especially the teams on the East coast, to have their minds and hearts into the game. This was the right decision.
Tony Chojnowski
St. Paul, Minn.

In a matter such as this, there can be no right or wrong. As a fan of the NFL, I would like to see the games go on. As an American, though, I reflect on the tragedy that has occurred and realize that there are issues much bigger than playing a football game. I do worry, however, that we may become as the U2 song goes "stuck in a moment". We as a people must pick ourselves up from this tragedy and not remain stuck in it. I believe that playing the games this weekend would have helped some cope with this time a bit better. It would have been a nice break from all the media coverage of the tragedy. I cannot condemn Commissioner Tagliabue's decision. He is only doing what he feels necessary at this time.
Bryan Comstock
Biloxi, Miss.

I think it is best that the NFL has chosen to suspend play. If Sunday is the day of the memorial, and a day of national mourning, all of our thoughts should be on those who lost their lives and the continuing rescue efforts. I have read several opinions saying that we need the NFL to take our minds off the tragedy for a while. Frankly, I can't imagine anything diverting our attention from this for quite some time. And frankly, nothing should.
Tim Bullis
Overland Park, Kan.

It's a good thing the NFL cancelled this weekend's games. This Sunday, instead of sitting in the house in front of the TV (which I admittedly take part in every week), everyone should go outside and hang the American flag. Together, we will make it through.
Nicole Rizzi
College Park, Md.

Games should have gone on
Of course you could say this tragedy is more important than any issue in America right now, but I still wanted the NFL to play games this week. By playing the games you are not saying that football is more important than thousands of innocent Americans dieing, you are just saying that we are an organization like any other that is going to do our best to keep the wheels turning. Are Doctors still performing surgery this weekend? Are Mechanics still fixing cars this weekend? Are bartenders still serving drinks this weekend? Yes they all are. Does that mean these things are as important as the latest tragedy? No it does not.
Michael Campagna
Bristol, R.I.

The decision not to play this weekend was, in my opinion, the wrong thing to do. The country needed something to follow, someone to set an example, and the NFL failed. I understand that it's hard to go back to work, it's hard for everyone, imagine going back to work as a pilot or flight attendant. The NFL came across as scared and intimidated rather than a leader and role model. I'm not saddened because I can't watch football on Sunday, I'm saddened because the terrorists seemed to claim another victim.

Good luck to all teams when the season resumes.
Ken Nadeau
Pittsburgh Pa.

Playing the games wouldn't have stopped people from praying who wanted to pray. Playing the games wouldn't have stopped people from donating blood who wanted to donate blood. Playing the games wouldn't have stopped ANYONE from coping with this tragedy however they wanted to. Not playing the games does stop many people from getting past this the way they want to.
Damon Haas
Atlanta, Ga.

The bad guys win another battle. I was back at work the day after the attack and so should the players. Sometimes I wonder if these over paid football players just want an excuse to get out of work. This does nothing for the victims of the attack and accomplishes nothing but to show the world that we cannot bounce back after the worst these madman can do to us.
Bart Asher
St. Louis, Mo

Football may seem trivial in light of Tuesday's tragic events ... but now most Americans will be watching the continuing, depressing, news coverage on TV. An outlet like football would have been a nice start in getting things back to normalcy. I respect the decision of the NFL, I just wish the games were still on.
Brandon Newman
Springboro, Ohio

The NFL is probably doing what they believe is right, however I really believe that by interrupting normal life in America they are actually giving the terrorists more belief that they have scored a great victory in America by even taking its sporting events away. I know it is probably the unpopular opinion but I believe the NFL made a big mistake. Thanks
Kevin Nell
Phoenix, Ariz.